The roll-out of the Pfizer/BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine to healthy school children aged 12-15 years has now been approved.
Pupils, following consent from their parents or carers, will be offered one dose of the vaccine with the jab administered within the school setting.
The plan was approved on Monday 13 September following advice from four UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs).
Alternative provisions will be provided for children who are home-schooled or within other settings.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid said:
“I have accepted the recommendation from the Chief Medical Officers to expand vaccination to those aged 12 to 15 – protecting young people from catching COVID-19, reducing transmission in schools and keeping pupils in the classroom.
I am very grateful for the expert advice I have received from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and UK Chief Medical Officers.
Our outstanding NHS stands ready to move forward with rolling out the vaccine to this group with the same sense of urgency we’ve had at every point in our vaccination programme.”
The rollout of the Pfizer vaccine for 12 to 15 year-old children across the country, in Walsall schools and the surrounding areas is expected to begin as soon as next week, but may take longer to implement.