In September, the UK’s Chief Medical Officers recommended vaccinating all 12 to 15-year-olds with a first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, to protect their physical and mental health and education. The flu vaccine programme for schools has also been extended from all primary school children plus Year 7 of secondary, to now include all secondary school pupils up to and including Year 11.
The aim is to immunise as many children as possible ahead of winter, as scientists are predicting it may be a bad flu season as well as a surge in Covid-19 cases, which some schools are already experiencing.
To help keep parents informedleading paediatrician Dr Annapoorna Sharma answers some commonly asked questions.
Is the Covid vaccine safe for children?
The Covid-19 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine has now been tested in children in clinical trials in the USA, UK and Israel, and is shown to be safe and effective for young people.
If Covid-19 mostly affects older people, why do young people need the vaccine?
Currently, the highest rise in Covid cases in the UK is in children who are unvaccinated. Although children and young people are less likely to be hospitalised with severe Covid-19, they can still get sick from the virus.
The vaccine protects children by reducing the likelihood of catching Covid-19, and reducing the severity of the virus, if they do get infected. It also reduces their role in transmitting the virus.
Right now, some schools are experiencing a rise in Covid-19 cases, and we all know too well the impact of school closures or contact isolation on young peoples’ lives.
What kind of Covid-19 and flu vaccines are given to children and young people?
At present, young people aged 12-15 years are being offered just one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Young people with existing health conditions at greater risk of developing severe Covid-19 and those who live with someone with an immune disorder are offered two doses of Covid-19 vaccine eight weeks apart. Those with suppressed immune disorders may need a course of three injections.
With the flu vaccine, most children are offered a nasal spray vaccine. Children aged 2 or 3 years (before September 2021) can get the flu vaccine at their GP surgery, while primary and secondary school aged children from reception to year 11 will be offered the vaccine in school. Children with long term health conditions are eligible for the flu vaccine from 6 months to 17 years of age. Some children can’t have the nasal spray vaccine, and they will be offered an injection instead.
The virus that causes Covid-19 and the virus that causes the flu are two completely different viruses, therefore two different vaccines are needed. Both vaccines can be given at the same appointment, alongside other vaccines for school children such as HPV, DTP MenACWY vaccines.
How do children get the flu and Covid-19 vaccine?
Most children and young people will be offered both vaccines with their class in school. Parents and guardians will get a letter from the school immunisation service provider with detailed information about both vaccines, including consent requirements.
For the Covid-19 vaccine only, young people 12+ can also get an appointment at a walk-in clinic or their GP and be vaccinated the same time as the rest of their family, if they want. An appointment can be booked online at nhs.uk/covidvaccine
For 2 and 3 year olds (provided they were this age on the 31 August 2021), you should receive an invitation for your child to have their flu vaccine at their GP surgery. You can also contact the surgery directly to make an appointment.
Will my children be offered the vaccine at school without my knowledge?
Parents will be asked to provide consent either online or by signing a paper form before their children are vaccinated in school. Separate consent must be given for the flu and Covid-19 vaccines.
In secondary schools, some young people will be mature enough to provide their own consent. Healthcare professionals from the school's immunisation team will speak to the young person and make every effort to contact the parent. These professionals have expertise in vaccinating young people and will be responsible for assessing whether they have enough understanding to self-consent (this is called ‘Gillick competence’).
Does the flu vaccine contain pig products? Is there an alternative option if so?
Yes. This is a common question for some South Asian and Muslim families who may be vegetarian, vegan or halal. For those aged 2 to 17, the flu vaccine is usually given as a pain-free nasal spray which contains pork gelatine. If you or your child wish to avoid this for any reason, you can request for your child to have an alternative porcine-gelatine free flu vaccine which is administered as an injection in the arm. The Covid-19 vaccine does not contain any animal products.
For more information on the Covid vaccine for children, visit:www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-resources-for-children-and-young-people or nhs.uk/covidvaccine to find your nearest centre.
For more information on the flu vaccine for children, visit:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/child-flu-vaccine/
