Vulnerable children aged 12 to 15-years-old can now book their booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine online, NHS England has confirmed.
Until now, families with children whose conditions include cancer, diabetes, chronic diseases or severe mental illness, have been vaccinated by GP-led teams.
While only a small number of 12 to 15s are currently eligible – around 4,400 in this group – thousands more will become eligible 12 weeks on from their second jab in the coming weeks and months.
NHS England said 6,400 invitations have already been sent to parents and guardians of eligible children, with a further 4,400 being contacted about using the national booking service now they qualify.
Nikki Kanani, GP and Deputy SRO for the NHS Covid Vaccination Programme, said: “Children’s lives, including their education, have been significantly disrupted over the last two years and every parent wants to do all they can to protect their little ones and keep them in school.
“But when a family has the added worry of what covid could mean for a child who is seriously unwell, getting them their top up boost in protection as soon as they become eligible is vitally important.
“For young people aged 12 to 15 who are clinically at risk that is a booster three months after their second dose, with it now even easier for families to get their child booked in and protected at a convenient vaccination centre nearby.”
