Covid-19 Vaccination of Healthy 12-15 year olds
General Information
The Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective. One dose is being offered to healthy children aged 12-15 years to give them the best protection against Covid-19.
For further information see:
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine-for-children-aged-12-to-15/
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-resources-for-schools/covid-19-vaccination-programme-for-young-people-guidance-for-parents
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-resources-for-children-and-young-people/covid-19-vaccination-a-guide-for-eligible-children-and-young-people-aged-12-to-17
How many doses of the vaccine will a healthy child aged 12-15 years receive?
Currently, healthy children aged 12-15 years will receive one dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Some children aged 12 -15 years are being offered two doses of the vaccine 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)
- they have a condition that means they’re at high risk of getting seriously ill from Covid-19
They will receive these vaccinations from a GP practice-led site.
See:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/who-can-get-the-vaccine/ for further information.
How will a healthy child aged 12-15 years receive a vaccine?
- Most healthy children will be given their vaccine at school during school hours.
- The school immunisation team is leading on vaccinations of healthy children in this age group in County Durham.
- This team has organised a date to visit each school in the County to administer the vaccination, and has also contacted those who are home-schooled.
- The school immunisation team will also be planning catch-up clinics.
- If a child misses this visit, or parents wish to organise an appointment to get their child vaccinated sooner, this can now be done via the National Booking Service at
- For queries about the school Covid-19 vaccination programme in County Durham, contact the school initially or email the school immunisation team directly at:
- Do not contact the GP practice about Covid-19 vaccination for healthy children in this age group – At present GP practices are only able to vaccinate 12-15 year olds who are in a high risk group or who live with someone who is more likely to get infections.