On Saturday 12 February, 35 clinically vulnerable 5-11 year olds were successfully given their first COVID-19 vaccination at the children’s clinic in The Chantry Centre, Andover.
Following recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation in December, children aged 5 to 11 years in a clinical risk group are now eligible to receive two doses of a special paediatric dose of the vaccine.
Eligible children, which includes those with chronic neurological, respiratory or heart conditions as well as those with severe, profound or multiple learning disabilities or a weakened immune system, are being contacted directly by their GP surgeries or the NHS and invited to attend appointments like the one held at the Chantry Centre.
Dr Andrew Baring, Clinical Director at Hampshire, Southampton and Isle of Wight CCG said: “The atmosphere at the clinic on Saturday was great and we didn’t have any tears from any of the 35 children receiving their vaccinations.”
Whilst the risk associated with infection for most children is very low, those with conditions that make them vulnerable or who live with those who are immunosuppressed and at greater risk of getting ill from the virus are now being vaccinated to protect themselves and their families.
Dr Baring added: “It is so important for these vulnerable young people to receive their COVID vaccines and we would encourage all parents and carers whose children have been invited to come along and get vaccinated.”
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, councillor Phil North, said: “Huge thank you to our NHS colleagues for running this clinic and for making it as welcoming and as fun as possible for the children attending. It is great that the Chantry Centre clinics remain a success and I am pleased that offering this unit meant that we were able to help in some small way towards the vaccination programme.
“To say that NHS staff have worked incredibly hard over the past couple of years feels like a huge understatement, and yet they continue to plough on to protect the youngest and most vulnerable youngsters in our community. A massive well done to everyone involved.”
A further 50 appointments will be available at a clinic on Saturday 19 February with more clinics due to be set up to ensure all eligible children can receive their vaccinations. If you have been contacted and invited to book an appointment, please do come forward and book one.
Further information regarding vaccinations for vulnerable 5-11 year olds, including the eligibility criteria, can be found here: FAQs for the vaccinations of clinical extremely vulnerable 5-11 year olds