Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to support the wellbeing of clinically extremely vulnerable children who are not yet eligible for a covid-19 vaccine.

Our current knowledge suggests that very few children are at highest risk of severe illness due to the virus.

There are a number of options available to support the wellbeing of clinically extremely vulnerable children and young people. The Every Mind Matters website is available to everyone, including children, with advice and practical steps for people to take to support their wellbeing and manage their mental health during this pandemic. In addition, all mental health trusts have established 24 hours a day, seven days a week urgent mental health helplines for all ages.

Anyone concerned about their mental health should speak to their general practitioner or existing care team or can access further advice via NHS.UK. Online self-referral options are commonly available for some services including children and young people’s mental health services.