Vulnerable children aged 12 to 15 urged to get the Covid vaccine

This includes children who live with a vulnerable person.

Children aged 12 to 15, a who are clinically extremely vulnerable and at increased risk from Covid, or who live with someone who is at risk, are being urged to have the covid vaccine as soon as possible. 

Clinics for eligible children are being held at Loughborough Hospital and Leicester Royal Infirmary and appointments can be booked by parents or guardians online or by phone.

Eligible children aged 12 to 15 can get vaccinated against COVID-19 if either:

• they live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• or they have a condition that means they're at high risk from COVID-19 themselves

Conditions that mean your child may be at high risk and can get vaccinated are:

• a severe problem with the brain or nerves, such as cerebral palsy
• Down's syndrome
• severe or multiple learning disabilities (or they're on the learning disability register)
• a condition that means they're more likely to get infections (such as some genetic 
  conditions or types of cancer)

Caroline Trevithick, Deputy Chief Executive of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Clinical Commissioning Groups, said: “With rates of covid infections increasing again, especially among young people, it’s vitally important that the most vulnerable children are protected. We also need to continue to protect vulnerable adults from the virus, and this includes reducing the risk of children they live with bringing the virus into the home. 

“If your child is eligible, you may already have been contacted by your GP practice and invited to make an appointment. But you can also book an appointment for your child at one of our hospital clinics. Please do take up this opportunity to have the life-saving vaccine.”

Appointments can be booked online using the following links: 

• Clinics at Leicester Royal Infirmary: https://tinyurl.com/4xsar8t5. When asked for a PIN, enter the following code: CovidVL19
• Clinics at Loughborough Hospital: https://tinyurl.com/ky2m5cvz. No PIN is required for this clinic.