UK to Begin Vaccinations for Ages 12-15 as Early as This Week

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The UK is expected to begin COVID-19 vaccinations for 12- to 15-year-olds as early as this week.

The Telegraph reported on the 12th (local time) that "health authorities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will decide within days whether to vaccinate adolescents."

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said in an interview with the BBC, "Once the decision to vaccinate 12- to 15-year-olds is made, we are ready to start vaccinations within a week."

For 12- to 15-year-olds, only the first dose is expected to be administered for safety reasons. Secretary Javid stated, "Unlike adults who receive two doses, 12- to 15-year-old adolescents may receive only one dose."

UK health authorities are also expected to officially approve booster shots for some adults within this week.

The UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is scheduled to hold a meeting on the 13th to finalize discussions on these matters.

Vaccinations for children and booster shot eligibility for adults remain controversial topics in the UK.

While the JCVI has approved vaccinations for 16- to 17-year-olds and vaccinations have already begun, approval for 12- to 15-year-olds has not yet been granted.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.