COVID-19 vaccination for at-risk children and young people aged 12 to 15 (simple text)
Updated 1 February 2022
Applies to England
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What is COVID-19 or coronavirus?
COVID-19 is an illness sometimes called coronavirus.
Most children who get COVID-19 have no symptoms. Those that do, have mild symptoms like a bad cold.
A few children and young people will get very poorly and have to go to hospital.
Who should have the COVID-19 vaccines
The vaccines are most important for the small number of children and young people who are likely to get poorly with COVID-19.
They include those with:
- severe neurodisabilities
- immunosuppression – those whose immune systems don’t work as well and also those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed
- profound and multiple or severe learning disabilities
- being on the learning disability register
- those living with Down’s syndrome
- those living with long term serious conditions affecting your body. Your GP will know if you need to have the vaccine
All these children and young people who are aged 12 to 15 years of age should have the COVID-19 vaccinations and their booster.
About the vaccine
You will need 2 injections of the vaccine usually 8 to 12 weeks apart.
You will need a booster dose 3 months later.
The vaccine has been tested to make sure it is as safe as possible.
Knowing if you should get a vaccine
Your GP (family doctor) should be able to check if you should get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Some people may receive a letter, or a phone call to invite them for their vaccination.
Can you give COVID-19 to anyone after you have had the vaccine?
Having the vaccine makes you less likely to get very ill from COVID-19.
It will help to stop you from catching and passing on the virus.
Common side effects
Common side effects include:
- your arm feeling heavy or sore where you had the injection
- feeling achy or like you’ve got the flu
- feeling tired
- having a headache
If you feel feverish (like you’re very hot or very cold) you should:
- rest
- take paracetamol
You should feel better in less than a week.
Rare but serious side effects
Worldwide, there have been recent, rare cases of inflammation of the heart reported after COVID-19 vaccines.
These cases have been seen within a few days of vaccination.
Most people felt better after a few days of simple treatment.
You should seek medical advice urgently if you experience:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- feelings of having a fast-beating, fluttering or pounding heart
If you feel very poorly after vaccination, call 111 or go to the 111 website. Make sure you tell them about the vaccine, or show them your card.
If you think you have a serious side effect from the vaccine you can report them using the Yellow Card scheme. The Coronavirus Yellow Card system is a website where you can report any side effects from the vaccine. You may need support to access this website.
How to book your appointment
If you receive an invitation letter, it will explain how to make your appointment.
Use the telephone to make your appointment. You or your parent can call 119.
You will be told where and when to go for your vaccine.
What to do next
When you’ve had the first injection, you should get a record card. This card should have your next appointment for 8 to 12 weeks time.
Although the first dose will give you good protection, you need the second dose to get longer-lasting protection.
Keep your card safe and make sure you go to get your second injection. You will get another record card with your booster vaccination.
How long the vaccine takes to work
It can take a few weeks for the vaccine to protect you. The booster will help your protection last longer.
Does the vaccine work for everyone?
The vaccine doesn’t completely stop everyone getting COVID-19, but if you do, it should still stop you being very poorly.
What to do if you are not well when it is your next appointment
You should not attend a vaccine appointment if you are self-isolating, waiting for a COVID-19 test or unsure if you are fit and well.
You should wait 12 weeks after having a positive COVID-19 test or at least 4 weeks if you are at higher risk.
What you can do after you’ve had the vaccine
After the vaccine, you should still:
- where advised wear a face mask
- wash your hands carefully and often
- follow the current guidance
Signs of COVID-19
A new cough and you keep on coughing.
A high temperature.
Your smell or taste going away or changing.
If you have the symptoms above, stay at home and arrange to have a test.
Further information on symptoms is available on NHS.UK.
If you cannot use the NHS website, phone 111 free of charge.