Vulnerable children age 12 to 15 can now book Covid booster jab

Vulnerable 12 to 15 year olds can now book their booster dose of the coronavirus vaccine online, NHS England has announced.

Children who are severely immunosuppressed with underlying health conditions can access appointments once they become eligible, which is 12 weeks after their previous dose.

The national booking service has been updated so that the most vulnerable in this cohort can quickly and easily book in a booster jab when they become eligible.

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Some 6,400 invitations have already been sent to parents and guardians of eligible children, with a further 4,400 being contacted about using the national booking service now they qualify.

Until now, families with children whose conditions include cancer, diabetes, chronic diseases or severe mental illness, have been vaccinated by GP-led teams.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and a leader on the NHS Covid Vaccination Programme, said: “Children’s lives, including their education, have been significantly disrupted over the last two years and every parent wants to do all they can to protect their little ones and keep them in school.

“But when a family has the added worry of what Covid could mean for a child who is seriously unwell, getting them their top-up boost in protection as soon as they become eligible is vitally important.”

It comes as some experts have raised concerns that the programme to boost people aged 75 and over, the immunosuppressed and those living in care homes has yet to begin.

Last month, Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced these groups will be offered a Covid-19 booster vaccine this spring.

NHS England said only a small number of people were eligible