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On 19th July, the government announced that some clinically vulnerable young people aged 12-15 will now get access to the Covid vaccine.
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That means Children aged 12 and over at increased risk of Covid-19 should get offered the Pfizer vaccine via their GP.
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This includes children aged 12 to 15 with severe neurodisabilities, Down’s syndrome, immunosuppression or profound and multiple or severe learning disabilities.
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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.
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The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is already approved for use in young people aged 16 years and above.
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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.
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The JCVI is not recommending routine vaccination outside of these age or risk groups.
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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.
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Following these changes, NHS England wrote a letter to GP’s about the next steps that need to be taken.
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Contact has more information and Q&As about the vaccine and children and young people.
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The Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) has more information for young people with Down’s and their families and paid supporters.