12-15 year olds in Wales to be offered Covid jab by October half term
All health boards are rolling out the vaccine this week
All 12 to 15-year-olds across Wales will be offered a Covid-19 vaccine by the end of October half-term.
Children in that age group will be invited by letter to have the vaccine with the majority being given the jab at mass vaccination centres.
In some areas, vaccination will be carried out at schools.
Some of the most vulnerable children in Wales have already started receiving the vaccine but this week, all health boards will have started rolling out the programme.
Parents, guardians, children and young people are now being encouraged to discuss the vaccination together.
Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Vaccines remain our strongest defence from the virus, helping prevent harm and stopping the spread of Covid-19.
"Some studies have shown show one in seven children who have been infected with the virus are thought to have also developed long-Covid.
“We have provided resources and information to help this age group make an informed choice about vaccination. I encourage parents, guardians, children and young people to discuss the vaccination together.”
Dr Gill Richardson, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Vaccines, added: “We have seen the benefits that come from having as many people as possible vaccinated.
“After careful consideration of the evidence, the four UK chief medical officers recommended the vaccination of healthy 12 to 15-year-olds after consultation with experts, such as the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
“They concluded that the health benefits, combined with the additional benefits of reducing educational disruption and effects on mental health meant that vaccination should be offered.
“Children and their families will be receiving links to information with their invitation letters so they can make an informed decision about whether or not to have the vaccine.”