Covid vaccine will be approved for 16 and 17 year olds – is it safe? UK News

A fesh announcement on the extension of the deployment of the Covid-19 vaccination to 16 and 17 year olds is expected “imminently”.

The Joint Committee on Immunization and Immunization (JCVI) is expected to make a recommendation on expanding the immunization program, officials said.

Experts have said offering a Covid-19 vaccine to 16- and 17-year-olds could reduce transmission of the virus and limit disruption to their schooling.

Under existing guidelines, some children between the ages of 12 and 17 have been eligible for the vaccine if they have underlying health issues, but the new board is expected to roll out the vaccinations for all 16 and 17 years old.

The Palestinian Authority has answered the burning questions people may be asking as the Covid vaccine is expected to be offered to British children between the ages of 16 and 17.

What are the latest changes?

It is understood that the Covid-19 vaccination program is to be extended to include 16 and 17 year olds – the first time the vaccine will be routinely offered to children in the UK.

There are around 1.4 million people in this age group.

Which children can currently be vaccinated?

Across the country, 223,755 under-18s received a first dose and nearly 80,000 received a second dose, according to NHS data as of July 25.

Currently, a number under the age of 18 are eligible for the vaccine if they have certain health conditions, live with an immunocompromised person, or are nearing their 18th birthday.

Are jabs for 16 year olds safe?

Yes. The Medicines and Health Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the Pfizer / BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine for children 12 years of age and older. The drug regulator will not approve a drug for use until it has seen evidence of its safety and effectiveness. The jab is already widely used by children in other countries around the world.

Where can children get vaccinated?

Probably in vaccination clinics that function like general practitioners’ offices and pharmacies.

Pop-up vaccination clinics have popped up in popular places for young people – including Thorpe Park and Latitude Festival – so in theory this would continue.

Will the children need parental permission?

Perhaps. PA has learned that some immunization clinics have already started administering vaccines to 16-year-olds – provided they attend the appointment with a parent or guardian.

Other countries that offer the vaccine to children require parental consent.

This will be clarified when ministers decide on the extension of the program.

What about the hours?

It was reported that the appointments could open in a fortnight or so. But if ministers want to see a tangible effect when schools return in about a month, then the appointments could open sooner.

What has been said before about childhood immunizations?

There has been a debate over the provision of vaccines to children, with some experts arguing that children should be able to receive the vaccine to avoid further disrupting schooling. According to government figures, a record 1.13 million children in England were out of school for reasons related to Covid-19 towards the end of the quarter.

In theory, it could also reduce transmission, which should reduce infection levels in the population.

Others have suggested that vaccinating children might not be in their own best interests overall – as children are rare to be seriously ill from Covid-19. This could create a moral gray area, as children would be given a vaccine, which can have side effects, for the benefit of others.

Others said it would be morally ambiguous to give the vaccine to children when there are serious gaps in vaccine equity around the world. Some prominent people – like Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, who is part of the team behind the Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine – have spoken out against vaccinating children ahead of some of the most vulnerable people in other parts of the world.

What is the official line?

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs said: “We continue to monitor the immunization of children and young people and we will be guided by the advice of the Independent Joint Committee on Immunization and Immunization. ”

But universities minister Michelle Donelan said ministers expected a JCVI announcement “imminently”.

I don’t know 16 or 17 year olds, what does this mean to me?

Scientists said opening the vaccination program to younger groups could help stem the tide of infections – which are largely caused by younger groups. The more people vaccinated, the less infection there is, so it is less likely that you yourself will become infected or that your plans will be interrupted due to illness or isolation.

But will the 16 and 17 year old take the jab offer?

Even though the vaccination program has been open to everyone 18 and over for some time, there are still around 2.8 million 18-29 year olds who are not vaccinated at all.

…