The NHS will start offering COVID-19 vaccinations for children with certain medical conditions aged 6 months to 4 years, in line with the advice of experts.
For most children COVID-19 is mild, but infants and young children with certain conditions can become very unwell and in need of hospital treatment – they are over seven times more likely to be admitted to intensive care.
Vaccination will help to protect children from getting seriously ill from COVID-19. The dose for each vaccination is smaller than the dose given to those aged over 5 years old. To boost their immunity and provide longer term protection, children will be offered two vaccinations at least 8 weeks apart.
Eligible children aged between 6 months and 4 years old will be invited to come forward for vaccination by NHS services, for example through their GP practice.
Children who turn 5 years old on or after 1 June 2023, and who have certain medical conditions which mean they are at increased risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19, will still be invited to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they haven’t already had a dose.