North Wales health board confirms plans to offer Covid jab to children aged 5-11

The health board for North Wales has confirmed its plans to offer Covid jabs to children aged 5-11.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said will begin writing to parents this week, inviting them to book a vaccination appointment for their child.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that children aged 5-11 should be offered the vaccine to increase protection against potential future waves of Covid-19.

The health board said it was encouraging parents and children to make an informed decision about whether to go ahead with vaccination, based on up-to-date information from trusted sources.

It includes information published on the Public Health Wales website this week to support people with their decision.

In the latest update on the vaccine roll-out, Gill Harris, Betsi Cadwaladr’s executive director of nursing and midwifery, said: “We understand that some young children may be anxious about coming to an unfamiliar setting to receive their vaccine.

“Our children’s clinics will be significantly quieter than the booster clinics held during the latter part of 2021, and our experienced staff can take the time to support children and put them at ease, before they receive their vaccine.

“The Covid-19 vaccine has already been offered to all children aged 5 to 11 who are in a clinical risk group, or who are a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed.

“Those who have yet to take up this offer are invited to call our Covid-19 vaccination contact centre on 03000 840 004.”

The JCVI has advised that an additional dose of the Covid-19 vaccine should be offered to adults aged 75 years and over, residents in a care home for older adults, and individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed.

The JCVI has not recommended that frontline health and social care staff receive a second booster dose at this stage.

The health board will soon begin offering the second booster dose to residents in care homes, older adults and those aged over 75 who are housebound.

Invitation letters will then be sent to remaining adults aged 75 plus, and those aged 12 plus who are immunosuppressed.

In a general update for people wanting to come forward for other doses, Ms Harris said: “The door is always open for those who have yet to come forward for their first, second or booster dose.

“Those eligible can attend any of our drop in clinics, where they will receive a warm welcome from our friendly staff, who can also take the time to discuss any concerns they may have.”