Covid vaccine to be offered to UK young people aged 16 and 17
August 4, 2021, 3:17 am

Covid vaccine to be offered to UK young people aged 16 and 17

Covid vaccine is offered to UK young adults

According to the Sky News, some 1.4 million teenagers will be offered a coronavirus vaccine, with ministers expected to expand the programme.

The Sky News said the vaccine is already available to children aged 12 and over if their health leaves them at higher risk, or if they live with an immunosuppressed person.

Sky's chief political correspondent Jon Craig said: "What is going to happen is this breakthrough, this very significant development in the vaccination programme.

"Sixteen and 17-year-olds, previously the government was just talking about vulnerable teenagers - not anymore.

"And this is a major change, a major move forward in the vaccination programme."

The change in policy was first hinted at by the Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon on Tuesday.

Ms Sturgeon said: "We are waiting on JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) advice.

"When I say 'we', I am obviously referring to the Scottish government, but the UK, Welsh and Northern Irish governments are in the same position."

She added: "First, as a priority, I am particularly hopeful that we will see updated recommendations for 16 and 17-year-olds.

"I am hoping for - possibly veering towards expecting - updated advice from the JCVI in the next day or so."

Appointments could be available within two weeks due to vaccine reserves, according to The Times.

The Telegraph said the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines would be available in line with guidance for young adults.

Labour's shadow health secretary Jonathan Ashworth said: "With the JCVI apparently about to give the green light to vaccinating 16-year-olds, ministers need to ensure plans are in place to roll out this vital next stage of vaccination while ensuring parents have all the facts and information they need."

Source: skynews
Image source: skynews

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Upon arriving to participate in the summit of the European Political Community, which includes around forty heads of state in Budapest, he said, "I look forward to sitting with the elected U.S. president and seeing how we will collectively ensure we meet challenges, including the threats from Russia and North Korea." He also noted that the strengthening of ties between Russia and North Korea poses a threat to the United States as well, according to reports from Agence France-Presse.

Before Trump's victory, Rutte expressed confidence that a united Washington would remain part of the defensive alliance, even if Trump became the 47th president of the United States. In an interview with German public broadcaster ZDF last Monday night, he stated that both Republicans and Democrats understand that NATO serves not only the security of Europe but also that of America. He added that both candidates are aware that the security of the United States is closely tied to NATO.

On Wednesday, NATO congratulated Trump on his victory but did not address the Ukrainian issue.

It is noteworthy that the relationship between the elected U.S. president and the defense alliance was not the best during his first term in the White House. Trump criticized NATO member states multiple times and even hinted at withdrawing from the alliance unless they increased their financial contributions.

Additionally, the issue of the Russian-Ukrainian war is one of the matters that complicate relations between the two sides, especially since Trump has repeatedly stated that he can end this ongoing conflict, which began in 2022, quickly. He implied that he had a peace plan between Kyiv and Moscow, while his vice president, JD Vance, revealed aspects of that plan, which stipulated Ukraine's commitment not to join NATO, thereby sending reassuring signals to the Russians.

Furthermore, many NATO member states in Europe fear that Trump might halt military aid to Ukraine after he previously criticized the U.S. for pouring funds into supporting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.