Government position on UK CMOs' advice

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said:

“We have received advice from the four UK Chief Medical Officers on offering COVID-19 vaccination to young people aged 12-15.

“We will set out the Government’s decision shortly.”

Background

• The independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) previously provided its advice on the health benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for this age group. In line with the JCVI’s advice, the Health and Social Care Secretary asked the four UK Chief Medical Officers to review the wider public health impact of such a rollout.

• The JCVI statement on COVID-19 vaccination of children aged 12 to 15 years (3 September 2021) can be found here.
• The letter from UK health ministers to UK CMOs on COVID-19 vaccination of 12 to 15 year olds (3 September 2021) can be found here.