Children age 6 months and older should get a COVID-19 vaccine if they have a:
- weak immune system
- health condition that puts them at higher risk of illness from COVID-19
Ask your child's GP or healthcare team if your child needs the COVID-19 vaccine this autumn or winter. They may need a vaccine once or twice a year.
People at higher risk from COVID-19
Weak immune system and COVID-19 vaccines
Where to get your child vaccinated
There are different ways to get your child vaccinated, depending on their age.
A parent or legal guardian must give their consent if a child is under age 16. They will have to also attend the vaccination appointment with them. If a parent or guardian cannot go with them, freephone HSELive 1800 700 700 for advice.
Where to get your child's COVID-19 vaccine
If your child has never had a COVID-19 vaccine
If your child has not yet had the COVID-19 vaccine, ask a GP for advice.
They can help you decide if your child needs it.
If you child has a COVID-19 infection, they should wait at least 4 weeks before getting vaccinated.
If your child is getting other vaccines
If your child under age 5 is getting their routine childhood vaccines, they should wait 14 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
If your child has recently had the mpox vaccine, wait 4 weeks before they get their COVID-19 vaccine. This is a precaution because of the possible risk of myocarditis.
To make an appointment for COVID-19 vaccination for your child under age 12, call HSELive on freephone 1800 700 700. Tell them about any vaccines your child got recently. The person arranging the appointment can take recent vaccinations into account.
Side effects
COVID-19 vaccines can cause side effects. Most of these are mild or moderate in children and do not last long. Side effects can include a sore arm, fever or tiredness.