The UK drug body MHRA recently authorised the Pfizer vaccine to 12-15 year olds in the UK. Following that regulatory approval, the Government has announced children aged 12-15 with underlying health conditions that make them clinically or extremely vulnerable can get the Pfizer vaccine. For those who refuse to get their child jabbed, Doctor Amir Khan issued a withering critique.
In light of the risk posed to all children, Doctor Amir made the case for vaccinating everyone in this cohort, not just the most vulnerable.
Vaccine eligibility – latest
Children aged 12 to 15 with severe neurological conditions, Down’s syndrome, immunosuppression or severe or multiple learning disabilities should be vaccinated, advised the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Young people aged 16 to 17 years of age who are at higher risk of serious COVID-19, have already been offered the COVID-19 vaccination.
What’s more, children and young people aged 12 years and over who are household contacts of persons who are immunosuppressed should be offered a COVID-19 vaccination on the understanding that the main benefits from vaccination are related to the potential for indirect protection of their household contact who is immunosuppressed, advised JCVI.
Immunosuppression means the body’s immune system is suppressed and its ability to fight infections and other diseases is undermined.
Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: “JCVI also advises that operationally, it is reasonable to allow a lead-in time to offer vaccination to those children who are within three months of their 18th birthday to ensure good uptake of vaccine in newly-turned 18 year olds.
“We will move quickly to vaccinate those turning 18 years old, including those intending to go to university.
“As a result of the low incidence and severity of COVID-19 in children and the reported safety issues, the JCVI does not currently advise routine universal vaccination of all other children and young people less than 18 years of age. I am aware there have been calls for children to be vaccinated to prevent them getting post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (long Covid).”