Children as young as five can now have Covid jabs – here's what you need to know
ok.co.ukAs part of the latest phase of the NHS’ vaccination drive, all five to 11 year olds in England are being invited to book their Covid jabs.The development - already rolled out in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - means that almost five million children can now be protected from potential infections. “Thankfully most children do not get seriously unwell from Covid-19 but some children do get hospitalised,” says GP Dr Rachel Ward, who insists it’s important to remember that some children can become seriously unwell from Covid, even though most only show mild symptoms. “We also know that children can get long Covid - and there is strong evidence that vaccination reduces your risk of developing this potentially debilitating condition.” Get exclusive celebrity stories and fabulous photoshoots straight to your inbox with OK!'s daily newsletter.
Dr Ward also points out that it still benefits those children who have already had Covid. “Having an infection does lead to natural immunity,” she says. “But that does not mean vaccination isn't beneficial.
People respond differently to infections and the level of immune response cannot be predicted. Studies have shown that natural immunity to Covid is improved if you receive a vaccine despite previous infection,” adds Dr Ward.
Government guidance recommends that children receive two doses of the low-dose Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine - containing a third of the adult dose - at periods 12 weeks apart.
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