5 to 11 year old vaccinations
Children aged 5 to 11 can get the Covid-19 vaccination to help protect them and those around them from the virus.
Children will be offered the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine. Each vaccine is a third of the dose that is given to older children and adults. Children need two injections, usually 12 weeks apart, or 8 weeks if they are at high risk from the virus or live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
Children who turned 5 on or after 1 September 2022 can only get a 1st and 2nd dose of a COVID-19 vaccine if they're either:
- at high risk due to a health condition or because of a weakened immune system
- living with someone who has a weakened immune system
Book or drop-in to get your vaccination:
Appointments can be booked online or by calling 119.
Drop-in to a vaccination clinic. No appointment needed.
Parents or guardians should attend the appointment to give their consent.
Healthy 5 to 11 year olds
Children aged 5 to 11 with no other underlying health conditions will be offered two paediatric (child) doses of the vaccine, with at least 12 weeks between doses.
A paediatric dose is smaller than doses given to those aged 12 and over. If a child has had Covid-19 they will still get extra protection from the vaccine, but they will need to wait 12 weeks before getting vaccinated.
5-11 year olds at high risk
Children aged 5 to 11 year-olds who are more at risk from the virus or who live with someone who is immunosuppressed can get two paediatric (child) doses.
Children will be offered the Pfizer vaccine. Each vaccine is a third of the dose that is given to older children and adults, and your child needs 2 doses usually 8 weeks apart.
Children at serious risk from the complications of Covid-19 infection include those with:
- Severe neurodisabilities
- Immunosuppression – those whose immune systems don’t work as well and those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed
- Profound and multiple or severe learning disabilities
- Being on the learning disability register
- Those with Down’s syndrome
- Those with long term serious conditions affecting their body. Your GP will know if they need to have the vaccine
The vaccine is also recommended for those children living with people who have a weakened immune system (who are immunosuppressed). This is to reduce the risk of them passing on the infection to their family members.
Frequently Asked Questions
For most children Covid-19 is a mild illness that may require a few days off school but rarely leads to complications. For a very few children, the symptoms can be more serious or last longer.
Children with certain health conditions, or those with a weakened immune system, are at higher risk of serious COVID-19 disease. These children and those who live with someone who has a weakened immune system should already have been invited for vaccination.
As well as protecting children and young people against serious Covid-19 infection, by getting vaccinated, children and young people can reduce the risk of passing on the infection to others in their family and those they come into contact with.
Getting the vaccine can also make it easier for children and young people to avoid putting their lives and their education on hold because of further disruption to schools, hobbies and social events due to the viru.
The Covid-19 vaccine should give your child stronger protection than natural immunity from previous infection against serious complications of infection – including any future waves due to new variants.
Your child should also have some protection from the mild symptoms, and vaccination lowers the risk they will pass the virus on to others around them.
All vaccination sites, including GPs and Pharmacies are making efforts to ensure the vaccination environment is child-friendly and welcoming for families with young children.
Vaccinators will make reasonable adjustments and fast-track individuals who are worried about vaccination. For example, sites may offer longer appointments and minimise the waiting time for children who are feeling anxious.
Parents, carers or those with parental responsibilities should attend COVID-19 vaccination appointments with their child.
Unlike vaccinations in schools, consent is collected on the day so this is the best way to make sure they can be vaccinated by going through questions together on site.
For looked after children, please refer to the care plan where permissions and restrictions of consent will be outlined.
Follow the link for further information on consent to treatment for children and young people.
Vaccination centres, pharmacies and GPs in every part of England are offering the Covid-19 vaccine to help protect 5-11 year olds.
Invitation letters will be sent out and appointments can be booked easily, just visit www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or call 119 to book your first or second dose.
There are also convenient vaccine walk-ins across the country.
Children aged 5-11 years-old, who are more at risk from the virus can already get two paediatric (child) doses, eight weeks apart, and their GP or hospital specialist should be in touch to arrange this.
5-11 year olds will be given a paediatric dose, 10 micrograms of Pfizer vaccine, compared to the 30 micrograms of Pfizer vaccine given to older children and adults.
A smaller dose will provide protection while also reducing the risk of side-effects.
Most children will need to wait 12 weeks to have a vaccination following a positive Covid-19 result.
If you or your child is at high risk from Covid-19, or lives with someone who has a weakened immune system, they will need to wait 4 weeks.