Approval for jabs for 16 and 17-year-olds
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
UK Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid has today accepts advice from the JCVI to offer Covid-19 vaccination to those aged 16 and 17
Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: "Today’s advice from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) means more young people aged 16 and over can benefit from Covid-19 vaccines.
"I have accepted their expert recommendations and I have asked the NHS to prepare to vaccinate those eligible as soon as possible.
"The JCVI have not recommended vaccinating under-16s without underlying health conditions but will keep its position under review based on the latest data.
"Those aged 12 to 15 with severe neuro-disabilities, Down’s Syndrome, immunosuppression and multiple or severe learning disabilities, as well as people in this age group who are household contacts of individuals who are immunosuppressed, are already eligible for vaccination. JCVI will continue to review data and provide updates on at risk groups aged 12-15 and whether any additional groups will be added.
"I encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward for both their jabs as quickly as possible."
While no formal announcement has been made yet by the Scottish Government, it is strongly expected to follow suit after First Minister Nicola Sturgoen said on Monday that confirmation on the move was being awaited.
She said during her confirmation of moving beyond Level 0 that: "Invitations for vaccines are now going out to 12- to 17-year-olds with specific health conditions that make them more vulnerable to Covid.
"And this follows recent advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
"And we expect to have offered first doses to this group by the end of August.
"In addition we are hoping to receive in the next few days updated advice from the JCVI on possible vaccination of others in the younger age groups and we stand ready to implement any recommendations as soon as possible."
