Updates, advice and guidance for parents and carers
The population now has much stronger protection against Covid-19 than at any other point in the pandemic. Whilst there is still a risk of Covid-19 infection which should be treated seriously, the population generally now has much stronger protections against the virus. This means it can be managed like other respiratory infections.
What to do if your child has coronavirus symptoms
Attending education is hugely important for children and young people’s health and their future. Children and young people with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or slight cough, who are otherwise well, can continue to attend their setting.
If you suspect you or your child has Covid-19, please follow the guidance set out in the government guidance, People with symptoms of a respiratory infection including Covid-19 or a positive test result. For more information on symptoms, see the latest list of NHS Covid-19 symptoms in adults and symptoms in children.
Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and avoid contact with other people, where they can. They can go back to school, college or childcare, and resume normal activities when they no longer have a high temperature and they are well enough to attend.
It is not recommended that children and young people are tested for COVID-19 unless directed to by a health professional. If, however, your child (18 years of age or under) has a positive Covid-19 test result, they should stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day they took the test. After 3 days, if they feel well and do not have a high temperature, the risk of passing the infection on to others is much lower. This is because children and young people tend to be infectious to other people for less time than adults.
Adults who have tested positive for Covid-19 are advised to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for 5 days.
Covid-19 vaccination for children and young people
Vaccination is a really important way to increase protection against Covid-19 and reduce the spread of the virus and is the main way to continue to ensure that children, young people, and any vulnerable family members are protected from Covid-19. Vaccination also minimises the need for children and young people to have time off from school or college and helps them to continue to carry out hobbies, attend social events, travel abroad during the holiday period and live their lives to the full.
See Hackney’s website for more information about vaccination - who can get vaccinated, where to go and some frequently asked questions.
Please note that parental consent is required for children aged 5 to 15. Young people aged over 16 years old can provide consent for vaccinations themselves.
As well as Hackney Council’s vaccination webpage, listed below are some reliable sources of information on vaccination.
- NHS information and flyers:
- Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine
- Coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine for children aged 5 to 15.
- Covid-19 vaccination - a guide for children and young people
- Vaccination programme for children and young people - guidance for parents
- What to expect after your Covid-19 vaccination - advice for children and young people (Download translations)
- Videos to watch with your child - NHS Covid-19 vaccine for children aged 12 to 15 and NHS Covid-19 myth busting video