Under 18s to be offered Covid vaccine

Children in the UK at increased risk of Covid-19 are to be offered the vaccine.

Clinically vulnerable youngsters aged between 12 and 15 with weakened immune systems will be eligible.

Those 12 and over will be able to get the jab if they have certain disorders or disabilities, or if they live with adults who are at risk.

However, the vast majority of kids will not be offered the vaccine at this stage.

"Long time coming"

14-year-old Katie Steel has cerebral and bulbar palsy.

Her mum Clare says it's the news they've been waiting for.

She said: "I absolutely welcome this news.

"It has been a long time coming for teenagers like Katie who have been at home since last March.

"I felt a wee bit numb and I didn't tell Katie straight away as it felt too good to be true.

"On June 4th when the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) approved the license for 12-17 year olds, I told Katie and filmed her reaction so I could show her dad when he got home from work

"So from June 4th to know we've been waiting on this news and she had her hopes up.

"Everyday she would sign 'my vaccine, any news on my vaccine' and everyday I had to say no."

She also outlined how friends and family have already been in touch.

"They've been asking 'Does that mean Katie will be coming to school soon?'

"'Does that mean we'll see Katie soon?'"

Four nations approach

The UK Government's vaccine minister Nadhim Zahawi confirmed the move in line with the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)

Health Secretary Humza Yousef also confirmed Scotland will be following the four nations approach.

Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Gregor Smith says this will be carried out in the upcoming weeks.

He said: "In line with the JCVI’s most recent advice, children and young people aged 12 to 15-years old who have particular underlying conditions that put them at increased risk of serious consequences from COVID-19 will now be offered the COVID-19 vaccine.

“Children and young people aged 12 years and over who are household contacts of people who are immunosuppressed will also be offered the vaccine.

"As we have done throughout the pandemic, we will continue to follow the expert advice from the JCVI.

"Work is underway to deliver this in the forthcoming weeks.

"The JCVI will continue to fully assess all available data as a priority and advice will be kept under active review.

"I know that the committee will give any additional update to advice as soon as the evidence supports this and, in the meantime, we will offer the vaccine to those children and young people currently recommended.

"We are already vaccinating young people who will turn 18 by 31st July and we will continue to roll-out invites for those who will turn 18-years-old within a three month window.

"It remains crucial that everyone who is offered a vaccination takes up the offer."

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