Parents of ‘at risk’ 5 to 11-year-olds can now book COVID-19 vaccinations appointments at RJAH

Parents or carers of 5 to 11-year-old children who are at high risk of being very unwell from Covid-19, or who live with someone who has a weakened immune system are now able to book a Covid-19 vaccination appointment at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt (RJAH) Orthopaedic Hospital Vaccination Centre.

Appointments at RJAH vaccination centre for children aged 5 to 11 years who are at risk will be held on:

• Tuesday 8^th March from 9am to 1pm
• Saturday 12^th March from 9am to 1pm*

* (more dates to be confirmed)

Parents or guardians must accompany their children. To book an appointment, contact RJAH Vaccination Team on 01691 404029 or email rjah.vaccination@nhs.net. Please do attend without a booking. Walk-in appointments will not be accepted.  

GPs and hospitals are contacting 3,000 families of 5 to 11-year-olds across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin who have been identified as being eligible. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has identified the following children as being at serious risk from the complications of Covid-19 infection:

• children with severe neuro-disabilities
• children with immunosuppression – those whose immune systems are weakened, as well as those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed
• those with profound and multiple or severe learning disabilities
• children on the learning disability register or with Down’s syndrome
• children with long term serious conditions affecting their body.

Parents or carers who have been invited are being asked not to delay arranging an appointment for their child.

Anyone who has a 5 to 11-year-old child who thinks they are at risk from coronavirus and may be eligible but hasn’t yet heard from their GP or hospital can now book an appointment at the RJAH Vaccination Clinics for 5 to 11-year-olds.

Dr Jess Harvey, GP at Much Wenlock & Cressage Medical Practice has been encouraging those at risk to come forward and get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Dr Harvey, said: “Thousands of young people are getting protected every day, with millions vaccinated so far. This vaccination aims to reduce the risk of infection and is proven to give significant protection against severe illness from Covid. With the Omicron variant continuing to cause infection rates among the youngest age groups, I would urge any parent or guardian of children in this eligible group to book an appointment to protect their child against the virus. We want to give them and vulnerable family members the best possible protection.”

Please be aware that 5 to 11-year-old clinics will be held at different times to the 12+ clinics or adult clinics, due to the difference in dosing and parents will not be able to book their child’s vaccination appointment by calling 119 or using the national booking system.

To find out more about COVID-19 vaccinations click here.