More than 1.4 million 16 and 17-year-olds are expected to be offered coronavirus vaccines in a ‘major change’ to advice.
Healthy teenagers over 16 will be able to get immunised as ministers approve advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) today.
Appointments to get either a Pfizer or Moderna shot could be up for grabs within two weeks as the UK has built up sufficient supplies, The Times reports.
The jab is already available to young people aged 16 to 17 with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious infection.
Young people aged 12 to 15 with certain conditions which make them vulnerable and those aged 12 to 17 who live with an immunosuppressed person can also get vaccinated.
The new development is designed to fight off an autumn Covid surge when kids return to classrooms, it’s suggested.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon suggested a decision was imminent as she appeared in Scottish Parliament on Tuesday.
She said: ‘We are waiting on JCVI advice. When I say ‘we’, I am obviously referring to the Scottish Government, but the UK, Welsh and Northern Irish governments are in the same position.’
The politician added: ‘First, as a priority, I am particularly hopeful that we will see updated recommendations for 16 and 17-year-olds.
‘I am hoping for – possibly veering towards expecting – updated advice from the JCVI in the next day or so.’
Labour’s shadow health secretary has warned ministers need to ensure plans are in place for the roll-out.
Parents need to have ‘all the facts and information’, Jonathan Ashworth said.
A total of 73% of adults are now fully vaccinated in the UK, while 88.7% have had a first dose.
Another 138 fatalities were recorded yesterday in the highest daily Covid death toll since March.
However, cases have dropped for the sixth day in a row, with 21,691 people testing positive in the last 24-hour period.
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