Parents of children aged 5 to 11 years old can now get their children vaccinated against Covid-19.
Most children aged 5 to 11 will have a mild disease if they contract Covid-19 but some may experience symptoms which last longer than just a few days. Vaccination of children in this age group has been shown to help prevent the small number of hospitalisations and intensive care admissions that can occur in this age group. It has also been shown to help provide short-term protection against non-severe disease.
A new specially designed children’s formula of the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for this age group and it’s given at a lower dose compared with that used in individuals aged 12 and above (10 micrograms compared with 30 micrograms). Like all children’s vaccines, this approval was given following a robust review of data showing that it is safe and effective to use in this cohort. Clinical trials have shown that this vaccine was highly effective at preventing Covid-19 in children, protecting them and also reducing the chance that they will transmit the virus to others.
From Wednesday 2 March 2022 you can make an appointment for your child at a children’s vaccination clinic at the Ulster Hospital and the Downe Hospital using the online booking system at: covid-19.hscni.net/get-vaccinated.
Children will need two doses of the vaccine, 12 weeks apart. If your child has tested positive for Covid-19, you should wait 12 weeks from the positive test.
Further information for parents on the vaccine for 5 to 11 year olds can be found at: pha.site/all5-11s.