Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he is taking steps to fast track the covid-19 booster vaccination programme for schools in January 2021.

Children aged 12 years old and over are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations in schools through the School Age Immunisation Service and in community settings. At-risk children aged five to 12 years old who are prioritised for a primary course are being offered the vaccine in out of school settings.

The booster vaccination campaign for 12 to 15 year olds most at risk from COVID-19 began in January 2022. In line with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s advice, the booster dose is being offered to those clinically at-risk or those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed. Children in this age group who are severely immunosuppressed can receive their booster after a third primary dose. A booster vaccination programme for schools is not currently in operation given the low numbers of children currently eligible for booster doses and a proportion of at-risk children do not attend school onsite. Parents can book booster vaccinations for their child through the National Health Service booking system or use a walk-in site.