All over-12s are likely to be offered coronavirus vaccines later this year as scientific advisers become increasingly confident about the safety of the jabs.
Vaccination of more than a million healthy 16 and 17-year-olds will begin this month, with a decision on second doses put back while scientists consider whether to mix and match jabs or treat boys differently to girls.
The decision to vaccinate children is a U-turn from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s (JCVI) ruling, little more than two weeks ago, against jabs for healthy under-18s. Senior children’s doctors attacked the “shambolic” handling of the matter.
Last month the committee feared the risk of heart inflammation after inoculation could outweigh the benefits of preventing a disease which is usually mild in
