The Pfizer vaccine will be offered to some children and young people aged 12 years and over with specific underlying health conditions that put them at risk of serious COVID-19.
Those aged 12 to 15 with specific underlying health conditions can receive vaccination. This currently includes those with severe neuro-disabilities, Down’s Syndrome, underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression, and those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, severe learning disabilities or who are on the learning disability register.
Additionally, children and young people aged 12 years and over who live with someone who is immunosuppressed will be offered the opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
Vaccination will also be offered to those young people who are within three months of their 18th birthday.
Young people aged 16 to 17 years who are at higher risk of serious COVID-19 should continue to be offered the vaccination.
Health Minister Robin Swann, said the decision by the medicines regulator to approve the vaccine for use in this younger age group has only been taken after rigorous assessment of both safety and effectiveness.
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride, said while the evidence strongly indicates that almost all children and young people are at very low risk from COVID-19, a small number of children and young people with underlying chronic conditions are at increased risk and will benefit from the protection offered by vaccination.
Until more data becomes available, The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation does not currently advise routine universal vaccination of children and young people less than 18 years of age.
“JCVI will keep this advice under review as more safety and effectiveness information become available on the use of COVID-19 vaccines in children and young people” said Professor Sir Michael McBride.
More details on booking a vaccination appointment will be made available soon. Parent or guardian consent will be required ahead of vaccination.