The NHS vaccination programme will begin to roll out to children aged between five and 11 who are most at risk of coronavirus.

As part of the move, children in this age bracket who are in a clinical risk group or who live with someone who is in immunosuppressed will be able to get the first dose of the Covid vaccine in line with advice set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

There are around 500,000 eligible children in the latest cohort. Eligible children include those with diabetes, immunosuppression, learning disabilities, and other conditions as outlined by the UK Health Security Agency in the Green Book.

All eligible five-11 year olds will be offered two 10 microgram doses of the Pfizer vaccine eight weeks apart – a third of the amount used for adult vaccinations.

Dr Nikki Kanani, deputy lead for NHS vaccination programme, said: “We know vaccines give significant protection against severe illness from Covid – including the omicron variant, so it is important that our youngest and most at-risk get protected. The NHS is now vaccinating the most at risk 5-11 year olds ensuring they get their vital dose of protection.

“Thousands of young people are still getting protected every day with millions vaccinated so far and we are asking parents not to delay coming forward – as soon as the NHS contacts you, please come forward so the NHS can protect their youngest against the virus.”