Teenagers to be offered jabs… and they will not need their parents’ consent
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The NHS has started preparing to vaccinate 1.4 million youngsters after the announcement by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
It is expected that the rollout will begin in the next few weeks and could be completed before Christmas.
There are currently no concrete plans to offer second doses, with scientists about to review more safety data before pressing ahead.
Boris Johnson called on families to listen to the advice from No10’s top scientists.
The Prime Minister said: “I would just urge all families thinking about this across the country to listen to the JCVI.They are extremely expert there, they’re amongst the best, if not the best in the world, they know what’s safe and I think we should take our lead from them.”
Professor Jonathan Van-Tam, the deputy chief medical officer for England, called for a speedy rollout.
He told a Downing Street press conference: “Children are going to start going back to colleges and sixth forms from September, and in Scotland that will be slightly earlier, so there is no time to waste in getting on with this.
“The NHS has been kept informed of what is being deliberated, it has been preparing for multiple options for very many weeks now, and I would expect this programme will start in a very short number of weeks.”
Prof Van-Tam said there were plenty of vaccines available, adding: “We have the supply.” All the 16 and 17-year-olds could be given the first jab within one school term, he added.
About vaccinating younger age groups he said: “There is nothing ruled out and nothing ruled in at this stage.”
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said on a visit to a vaccination centre in Bournemouth that he had asked the NHS to deliver vaccinations to 16 and 17-year-olds “as soon as possible”. He added: “It will be this month.”
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