On 19th July, the government announced that some clinically vulnerable young people aged 12-15 will now get access to the Covid vaccine.
That means Children aged 12 and over at increased risk of Covid-19 should get offered the Pfizer vaccine via their GP.
This includes children aged 12 to 15 with severe neurodisabilities, Down’s syndrome, immunosuppression or profound and multiple or severe learning disabilities.
The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency) did a review about the safety of the Pfizer vaccine for young people.
They decided it is safe.
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is already approved for use in young people aged 16 years and above.
The Joint Commission on Vaccines and Immunisation (JCVI) also recommends that children and young people aged 12 to 17 who live with an immunosuppressed person should be offered the vaccine.
The JCVI is not recommending routine vaccination outside of these age or risk groups.
So this does leave some gaps in eligibility for some young people with learning disabilities.
And those under 12 still can’t access the vaccine.
Following these changes, NHS England wrote a letter to GP’s about the next steps that need to be taken.
Contact has more information and Q&As about the vaccine and children and young people.
The Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) has more information for young people with Down’s and their families and paid supporters.
