Manchester Health and Care Commissioning has set up an accessible COVID-19 vaccination clinic for children and young people aged 5 to 17 who are at serious clinical risk* from the complications of the virus.

Accommodations that they will be providing include:

• Health play specialists will be available to support patients with learning disabilities. The play specialists are from the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital’s (RMCH) Therapeutic and Specialised Play Service. They are experienced with supporting children and teenagers who have additional needs, fears, autism or are unsure of the hospital environment and require further help and support.
• Free transport. The Gateway can organise free transport if you need help getting to your appointment.

You can book an appointment at this specialist session by calling the Gateway for free on 0800 092 4020 or 0161 947 0770. Please make sure to inform them if you need help getting to your appointment.

Children at serious risk from the complications of COVID-19 include those:

• with severe neurodisabilities
• those whose immune systems don’t work as well
• who have profound and multiple or severe learning disabilities
• on the learning disability register
• who live with Down’s syndrome
• with long term serious conditions affecting their body.

If you have any questions about the vaccination or any other worries or concerns about COVID-19, you can call the Manchester COVID-19 helpline on 0800 840 3858 or text 07890 036 892. Advice will be from the nursing team and a translation service is also available.

Covid-19 vaccination journey at the Jain Centre

If your child experiences anxiety in new places, it may help to show them the following walk-through video of the clinic at the Jain Centre in advance of your appointment: