Some children to be offered covid jab
The vaccination guidelines have been updated.
The Pfizer vaccine will be offered to all children and young people eligible for a Covid-19 jab.
Consent from a parent or guardian will be required ahead of vaccination.
Children aged 12 to 15 with specific underlying health conditions which would class them as vulnerable, will be allowed to access the jab.
These conditions include severe neuro-disabilities, Down’s Syndrome, underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression, and those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, severe learning disabilities or who are on the learning disability register.
Young people aged 12 years and over who live with someone who is immunosuppressed will also be offered the opportunity to be inoculated.
Vaccination will be offered to anyone within three months of their 18th birthday.
It all comes as the Joint Committee on Vaccines and Immunisation (the JCVI) has updated the guidance on who should be included in the vaccination programme.
The latest guidance says 16 to 17 year olds, who are at higher risk of serious COVID-19, should continue to be offered coronavirus vaccination.
Health Minister Robin Swann, said: "Our vaccination programme has always been guided by the expert advice. The decision by the medicines regulator to approve the Pfizer vaccine for use in this younger age group has only been taken after rigorous assessment of both safety and effectiveness.
“Today’s subsequent announcement by the JCVI underlines the important role that the COVID-19 vaccines play in protecting people of all ages - especially those most at risk from this virus.”
Minister Swann added: “The success of our vaccination programme in Northern Ireland has undoubtedly protected many people from serious illness and saved lives.”
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride, said: “In taking this decision, the JCVI has carefully examined the risk of COVID-19 to children and young people against the potential benefits of vaccination. While the evidence strongly indicates that almost all children and young people are at very low risk from COVID-19, a small number of children and young people with underlying chronic conditions are at increased risk and will benefit from the protection offered by vaccination.”
Until more data become available, JCVI does not currently advise routine universal vaccination of children and young people less than 18 years of age.
“JCVI will keep this advice under review as more safety and effectiveness information become available on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in children and young people” said Professor Sir Michael McBride.