Seasonal Covid-19 vaccines now available for all eligible children in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland

This week, the NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland (LLR) is sharing further details of its Covid-19 and flu vaccination programme to protect the most vulnerable in our communities ahead of the colder winter months.

To date over 121,828 vaccines have been administered to eligible people in LLR since 11 September 2023. New clinics are becoming available every day to make it even easier for people to boost their immunity, including specialist clinics that are dedicated to vaccinating all eligible children ranging from six months up to 18 years of age.

Eligible children are those that are in vulnerable or clinical risk groups for conditions including:

• Chronic respiratory diseases
• Chronic heart conditions
• Chronic conditions of the kidney, liver, or digestive system
• Chronic neurological disease
• Endocrine disorders
• Immunosuppression
• Asplenia or dysfunction of the spleen
• Serious genetic abnormalities that affect a number of systems
• Household contacts of immunosuppressed people that are 12 and older
• Carers that are 16 and older

Dr Virginia Ashman, a GP, and clinical lead for the Covid-19 and flu vaccination programme in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland said: “It’s really important that all eligible people get vaccinated when invited, to top up their protection against Covid-19 and flu ahead of winter. Children are no exception to this especially if they are clinically unwell or vulnerable. The immunity you have built up from previous vaccinations reduces over time so it’s important to boost your protection regularly.

“The Covid-19 and flu vaccines will help to protect those that need it most by reducing the chance of them becoming seriously unwell or even requiring hospitalisation due to the effects of the viruses this winter. It will also help to ease the pressure on NHS services during an already busy time. If you are unsure if your child is eligible you can speak to your GP practice, local pharmacy or by visiting the National Booking service website.”

Children aged six months to four years:

All eligible children in this age group should now have received a letter from the NHS inviting them to get their Covid-19 vaccination. If your child meets the eligibility criteria for this age group and is yet to receive a letter from the NHS, please call our central booking team on 0116 497 5700, telephone lines are open: Monday to Friday between 8am – 8pm and on Saturday’s between 9am – 5pm. Your child’s eligibility for the vaccinations will be checked and an appointment will be booked if required.

Children aged five to eleven:

Children in this age group that are eligible for their Covid-19 vaccine can book via the National Booking service website. The first clinic for children aged five to eleven will be held at the Leicester Royal Infirmary on Thursday 19 October and more clinics will be added to the site as they become available. Covid-19 vaccination clinics for children will also be made available across Leicestershire and Rutland, in the coming weeks details of which will be shared once arrangements have been confirmed.

Children and young people aged twelve and over:

All eligible children between the age of 12 and 18 years of age can book in to get their Covid-19 vaccination using the National Booking service website, by calling 119, or via the NHS App. Eligible children and young people should book in advance of attending a vaccination clinic.   If your child meets the criteria for this age group and have yet to receive a letter from the NHS, you can self-declare and book via the National Booking Service and then speak to a clinician on site to confirm eligibility.

In Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland there are a variety of ways in which people can access vaccines this autumn. The majority of vaccinations will be provided by GP practices and pharmacies. Hospital sites across LLR including the Leicester Royal Infirmary, the Leicester General Hospital and Glenfield Hospital will also be providing vaccination clinics which can all be booked using the National Booking System or by calling 119. A mobile vaccination service will also be visiting local communities so people can get their vaccinations without making an appointment. A detailed list of all our mobile vaccination clinics can be found on our website by clicking here.

All eligible adults over the age of 18 can continue to book in for their vaccinations using the National Booking service website, by calling 119, or via the NHS App. Anyone who believes they should be eligible for a vaccine but hasn’t received an invitation to date can self-declare via the National Booking Service and then speak to a clinician on site. There must also be a gap of at least three months between Covid-19 vaccinations. The NHS App will be able to provide details of all your previous Covid-19 vaccinations once you download the app and register.