We are now issuing appointment letters to the parents/carers of infants and children aged 6 months to 4 years who have a condition that puts them at higher risk of serious illness and have been identified through their health records as being eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine will help to reduce the child’s risk of getting seriously ill or having to go to hospital with COVID-19. They will be offered two doses of the vaccine, at least 8 weeks apart.
Susan Frew, Service Manager, Vaccination Programme, said: “Infants and young children with underlying health conditions are seven times more likely to be admitted to a paediatric intensive care unit with severe coronavirus, compared to those without underlying health conditions.
“Getting the vaccine will help to protect your child against coronavirus. The vaccine helps to build up immunity to coronavirus, so the body can fight it off more easily. If your child is vaccinated, they are much less likely to get seriously ill from coronavirus or need to go to hospital.
“We are sending out appointments for those infants and children who are eligible but if the appointment is not suitable it can be rearranged. If anyone does not want their child to be vaccinated at this time they can cancel the appointment.”
Further information on eligibility is available at https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid-19-vaccine/coronavirus-covid-19-vaccine-for-children-aged-6-months-to-4-years-at-higher-risk-of-coronavirus or anyone can call the National Vaccination Helpline on 0800 030 8013 for general information about the vaccination.
