COVID-19 vaccination to eligible children aged 6 months to 4 years

For most children COVID-19 is mild, but infants and young children with certain conditions can become very unwell and in need of hospital treatment – they are over seven times more likely to be admitted to intensive care.

Vaccination will help to protect your child from getting seriously ill from COVID-19. Over one million children aged 6 months to 4 years in the US have already received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine with no new or unexpected concerns.

The most common side effects reported were mild and similar to those seen with other vaccines given in this age group, such as irritability or crying, sleepiness and fever. The dose for each vaccination is smaller than the dose given to those aged over 5 years old.

To boost their immunity and provide longer term protection, your child will be offered two vaccinations at least 8 weeks apart. Eligible children aged between 6 months and 4 years old will be invited to come forward for vaccination by NHS services, for example through their GP Practice.

Children who turn 5 years old on or after 1 June 2023, and who have certain medical conditions which mean they are at increased risk of getting seriously ill with COVID19, will still be invited to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they haven’t already had a dose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my child (aged 6 months to 4 years) receive COVID-19 vaccinations?

Children aged between 6 months and 4 years, who have certain medical conditions which mean they are at increased risk from COVID-19, will be offered two vaccinations, at least 8 weeks apart. If your child is not at increased risk of getting seriously ill with COVID-19, they are not eligible for these vaccinations.

Which vaccine will eligible children (aged 6 months to 4 years) be offered?

In line with JCVI advice, they will be offered two 3-microgram doses of the Comirnaty® vaccine, which is a smaller dose compared to older children and adults.

Why is it important that my child (aged 6 months to 4 years) is vaccinated?

While for most young children, COVID-19 is mild, the JCVI has advised that children with certain medical conditions are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. They can become very unwell and may need to go to hospital if they get the infection. These children should therefore be offered vaccination to help protect them from COVID-19.

How can I arrange vaccination appointments for my child (aged 6 months to 4 years)?

It is not possible to book appointments for children aged 6 months to 4 years through the National Booking Service, and children in this age group cannot be vaccinated at a walk-in vaccination site. Local NHS services will invite and arrange vaccination appointments for eligible children aged between 6 months and 4 years old. If your child is eligible, please wait to be contacted.

My child (aged 6 months to 4 years) has recently had COVID-19. Can they still receive their vaccinations?

If your child has COVID-19, or you think they might, please wait until they’ve recovered before getting them vaccinated. You should also wait if your child has a fever or seems particularly unwell with any illness. If they have recently recovered from an illness, there is no need to delay vaccination.

My child is at increased risk from COVID-19, but they have recently turned 5. Can they still get their vaccine?

If your child is at increased risk and turned 5 years old on or after 1 June 2023, they will be invited by local NHS services to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they have not had any doses. If your child is at increased risk and turned 5 years old before 1 June 2023, or if they have already had a dose, in most cases, they will have to wait until the autumn to get their next dose.

Published on 3 August 2023