Millions of people will be eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations as younger children are able to receive a jab. Older people are also starting to get a fourth jab.
The NHS has urged people to check if they are eligible for a vaccine, which is the best way to protect yourself from the virus, the Mirror reports. The dominant strain is Omicron, which has milder effects in most people.
Even though cases have been dropping and vaccines have kept infection rates down, NHS chiefs have now urged parents to arrange for their five and six-year-olds to receive a shot. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) says all young people will benefit from a jab.
Those eligible across the UK will be invited for a jab this week. Jabs will be available outside school hours to allow parents time to take youngsters to allow mums and dads to book their child for a shot through the national booking service or by visiting a walk-in site.
More than 33,500 kids are already booked for appointments between now and Sunday and 50,000 slots are still available. Adults wanting Spring boosters and those who have not yet received a vaccine yet have also been invited.
Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and deputy lead for the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme, said: “It is great to see so many families already booked in for their children to receive their Covid vaccine this week, helping to protect themselves against potential future waves of the virus.
“Local vaccine sites are making it as easy as possible for families and allowing for longer appointment times so that families can discuss their decisions, and make sure it is a less daunting experience for youngsters."
The jabs are safe and effective and Dr Kanani said her 13-year-old-son has had two jabs and her 10-year-old daughter will follow soon. She added: "I’d encourage all parents to read the information and consider booking their child in for a vaccination at the earliest opportunity.
Health minister Maggie Throup said vaccines are the best way to protect yourself and those around you.
She said: "Parents can, if they want to, continue to take up the offer to increase their family’s protection against potential future waves of Covid – local vaccine sites or pharmacies are open outside of school hours and clinicians are more than happy to offer advice and ease any concerns parents or children might have.
“Although children without underlying health conditions are at low risk of serious illness from Covid, and the priority remains for the NHS to offer vaccines and spring boosters to adults and vulnerable young people, getting children vaccinated will help protect them", she said.
Last month millions more Brits were invited to come forward for their Spring boosters. Older adults in care homes will be visited by NHS teams who will give jabs — as long as it has been six months since their last one.
Ms Throup added: "Parents can, if they want to, continue to take up the offer to increase their family’s protection against potential future waves of Covid – local vaccine sites or pharmacies are open outside of school hours and clinicians are more than happy to offer advice and ease any concerns parents or children might have.
“Although children without underlying health conditions are at low risk of serious illness from Covid, and the priority remains for the NHS to offer vaccines and spring boosters to adults and vulnerable young people, getting children vaccinated will help protect them"
