On 22 December 2021, in response to the current wave of Omicron infection, the JCVI updated and extended its advice on primary Covid-19 vaccination for 5 to 11-year-olds in high-risk groups, booster vaccination for 12 to 15-year-olds in high-risk groups and booster vaccination for 16 to 17-year-olds (JCVI Covid-19 vaccination advice for children and young people). The Green Book recommendations have been updated (Green Book information on vaccines 24 Dec 21).
Considerations
With regard the primary vaccination of 5 to 11-year-olds, the JCVI has considered the potential benefits and risks of vaccination to the children themselves. These are finely balanced largely because the risks associated with Covid-19 infection are very low in this age group. The JCVI considered data on:
Summary of latest JCVI advice
Young adults (16-17 years)
All 16 to 17-year-olds should now be offered a booster vaccination 3 months after completion of their primary course (unless contraindicated).
Children (12-15 years)
12 to 15-year-olds who are:
Children (5-11 years)
5 to 11-year-olds who are:
These haemodynamically significant congenital and acquired heart disease categories in children have been previously considered and published by the BCCA (14/09/21).
Other children aged 5-11 years
A decision on the vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 years who are not in recognised risk groups is pending further consideration by JCVI. Boosters in children aged 5-11 years will be reviewed in due course.
COVID vaccination after COVID-19 infection and PIMS-TS
Advice unchanged. See further detail in BCCA statement 13 Dec 21 and Green Book information on vaccines 24 Dec 21 Page 31
COVID-19 vaccination and cardiac surgery
There is no specific data to guide time interval between COVID-19 vaccination and surgery and vice-versa. The Royal College of Surgeons (Eng) (RCS (Eng) guidance) states that:
During lockdown it is still business as usual for the team. We are still doing surgery, intervention, transplant assessment and transplant surgery.
Your child does not need to shield, unless you have received confirmation from the team at the Freeman Hospital
Visiting for relatives is different on each ward so please contact the ward sister directly before visiting
Outpatient clinics are running as normal everyday. Please maintain social distancing, wear a mask and come alone if you are able to.
Please follow government guidance https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
The most recent advice from the British Congenital Cardiac Association can be found here https://www.bcca-uk.org/pages/news_box.asp?NewsID=19495728
The most recent government advice can be found here https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus