COVID-19 vaccination for eligible at risk children aged 6 months to 4 years
The NHS is now 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 your child from getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
To provide greater protection, eligible children will be offered two vaccinations at least 8 weeks apart.
Eligible children will be invited by NHS services to come forward for their vaccination.
A guide for parents/guardians is available using this link: COVID-19 vaccination: at-risk children aged 6 months to 11 years - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Frequently asked questions
- Can my child (aged 6 months to 4 years) receive COVID-19 vaccinations?
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- Children aged between 6 months and 4 years, who have certain medical conditions which mean they are at increased risk from COVID-19, will be offered two vaccinations, at least 8 weeks apart.
- If your child is not at increased risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19, they are not eligible for these vaccinations.
- Which vaccine will eligible children (aged 6 months to 4 years) be offered?
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In line with JCVI advice, they will be offered two 3-microgram doses of the Comirnaty® vaccine, which is a smaller dose compared to older children and adults.
- Why is it important that my child (aged 6 months to 4 years) is vaccinated?
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While for most young children, COVID-19 is mild, the JCVI has advised that children with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
They can become very unwell and may need to go to hospital if they get the infection.
These children should therefore be offered vaccination to help protect them from COVID-19.
- How can I arrange vaccination appointments for my child (aged 6 months to 4 years)?
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It is not possible to book appointments for children aged 6 months to 4 years through the National Booking Service, and children in this age group cannot be vaccinated at a walk-in vaccination site.
Local NHS services will invite and arrange vaccination appointments for eligible children aged between 6 months and 4 years old.
If your child is eligible, please wait to be contacted.
- My child (aged 6 months to 4 years) has recently had COVID-19. Can they still receive their vaccinations?
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If your child has COVID-19, or you think they might, please wait until they’ve recovered before getting them vaccinated. You should also wait if your child has a fever or seems particularly unwell with any illness. If they have recently recovered from an illness, there is no need to delay vaccination.
- My child is at increased risk from COVID-19, but they have recently turned 5. Can they still get their vaccine?
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If your child is at increased risk and turned 5 years old on or after 1 June 2023, they will be invited by local NHS services to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they have not had any doses.
If your child is at increased risk and turned 5 years old before 1 June 2023, or if they have already had a dose, in most cases, they will have to wait until the autumn to get their next dose.