U.K. children between 12 to 17 years will get vaccine soon
The United Kingdom (U.K.) Government will soon offer Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to children between 12 to 17 years of age.
The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government of U.K. – Robert Jenrick said that Government is very sympathetic to the idea of inviting children aged 12 to 17 for a jab.
For the records, 68% adults have been fully vaccinated and Prime Minister of U.K. – Boris Johnson had already announced to lift the last level of restrictions in England and Scotland from tomorrow, i.e., Monday, July 19, 2021. The easing of restrictions would mean doing away with masks, no more social distancing and permission to hold large scale events. New travel rules will also come into effect, allowing people who are double-jabbed to return to the UK from amber list countries without quarantining – except for those returning to England, Wales and Scotland from France.
The Government is now awaiting response from Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), an independent expert advisory committee that advises U.K. health departments on immunisation.
Speaking on the occasion, Jenrick said, “We are still awaiting the final advice from the JCVI about extending the vaccination programme to younger people.”
He further said, “It seems like a sensible thing to do. The evidence we have received so far is compelling and ministers are going to make a decision armed with the advice in the coming days.”
In case the JCVI advises the go-ahead, children between 12 to 17 years will get vaccine, along with those who have health vulnerabilities and children who live in households with others who are more vulnerable.
Separately, Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak have gone into self-isolation after coming in contact with Secretary of State for Health – Sajid Javid who tested positive for COVID-19.
Besides, in Scotland, almost 1/3rd of younger adult remains unvaccinated. This is despite the fact that by the end of Sunday, all over-18 years of age will have been offered an appointment to have their first dose. Scotland will move to level zero of COVID-19 restrictions from July 19, 2021. Pubs and restaurants will now be allowed to remain open until midnight. However, limits on outdoor meetings will remain, the return of workers to offices will be delayed and face coverings will still be mandatory.
In Wales, most of the COVID-19 rules will remain in place till August 7, 2021, but face coverings will still be required in most public places and on public transport. In Northern Ireland, restrictions will be eased further on July 26, 2021.
