Can my child with allergies have the vaccination?

There are very few children who cannot receive the vaccine.

If your child has allergies or had a reaction after a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, tell the staff at the vaccination centre or pharmacy before they are vaccinated.

Before vaccination, all individuals are given a leaflet that outlines safety information about the vaccine. This will include a link to more detailed information about any health conditions that may prevent a young person from receiving the vaccination. You can read the Government’s Information for UK recipients for more information.

Children with allergies to common food items are not at higher risk of these serious allergies. If your child has allergies, they will be observed for 15 minutes after having the vaccine. This is in the unlikely event that they have a serious reaction to the vaccine. 

Research has found it is rare to have a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine. If this does happen, it usually happens within minutes.

All young people and their parents or carers should consult their clinician if they have concerns regarding allergies and COVID-19 vaccination.