Five to 11-year-olds invited for vaccination against COVID-19

NHS Western Isles has now issued letters to all parents and carers of children aged five to 11 in the Western Isles, inviting them to make a COVID vaccination appointment.  

Children in this age group will started to be vaccinated from tomorrow (March 19).  

This follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommending the universal vaccination of five to 11-year-olds. 

Those who have specific medical conditions which place them at greater risk from COVID-19 will continue to be prioritised. 

Details of how to arrange appointments are included in the letters. 

Children in this age group are being offered a paediatric dose of the vaccine, which is a third of the size of an adult dose. Those with specific medical conditions or who live with someone who is severely immunosuppressed are eligible for two doses at least eight weeks apart, and those who are severely immunosuppressed are eligible for three doses at least 8 weeks apart. All other children are being offered two doses at least 12 weeks apart.  

Children who tested positive for COVID-19 should wait 12 weeks from the date they tested positive, before attending for their COVID vaccination.  

Vaccinations for all five to 11-year-olds are being delivered alongside second booster jabs for those in care homes for older adults, those aged 75 and over and those in specific at-risk cohorts following further recommendation from the JCVI. These individuals are being invited as they become eligible, from 24 weeks after their last booster. 

NHS Western Isles is urging parents and carers to read all the information available to them on NHS Inform when making their decision: Vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 years | The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine (nhsinform.scot). Those attending can ask their vaccinator questions at the clinic before making a final decision on vaccination.  

A video detailing what to expect at your appointment is available at: What to expect at your COVID-19 vaccination appointment for children 5 to 11 years – YouTube