DORSET children aged between five and 11 and are clinically at risk can now receive a Covid-19 vaccination.

Those eligible will receive a letter from their GP inviting them to book an appointment through a local booking system at their GP practice or a nearby vaccination centre.

At the moment this group will not be able to book through the national booking system.

The lead consultant for screening and immunisation for NHS Improvement South West, Dr Julie Yates, urged parents of eligible children to book as soon as possible.

She said: “The Covid-19 vaccination programme has made a huge impact on the way we are able to live our lives compared to this time last year.

“This latest announcement will ensure that the most vulnerable five to 11 year olds are able to get protected against the virus.

“I urge any parent or guardian of children in this eligible group to book an appointment as soon as they receive a letter.”

Eligible children include those with diabetes, immunosuppression, learning disabilities, and other conditions as outlined by the UK Health Security Agency in the Green Book.

In the south west, vaccination teams have administered more than 12.4million Covid-19 vaccinations.