Offer of vaccines to 12 to 15-year-olds in North confirmed

Young people aged 12 to 15-years-old in Northern Ireland are to be offered a first dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

The jabs are expected to be delivered through schools, with consent forms due to be delivered "shortly", according to the North's Department of Health.

Adults over 50 as well as healthcare workers and those aged between 16-49 who have underlying health conditions will also be offered a booster jab this winter, the UK vaccines advisory body the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) said on Tuesday.

Announcing his decision regarding vaccination for 12 to 15-year-olds on Tuesday, the Minister for Health in Northern Ireland, Robin Swann, said it would "help protect young people from catching Covid-19 and is expected to prevent disruption in schools by reducing transmission."

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It followed advice on Monday from the Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) in the UK’s four devolved nations, who recommended the vaccination programme be extended to that age group.

The North’s Covid-19 vaccination programme is currently open to everyone aged 16 and over.

Those aged between 12 and 15 will now be offered one does of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, with parental consent sought before vaccination.

Anyone of that age who is part of an “at risk” group will receive two doses eight weeks apart, in line with JCVI advice.

The Department said most children aged 12 to 15 would receive their Covid-19 vaccination in their school, with alternative provision put in place for those who are home schooled or in secure services.

Meanwhile applications will open on September 27th for the £145 million Spend Local scheme which aims to boost local businesses after the drop in footfall due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Everyone aged 18 in Northern Ireland will be eligible to apply for a pre-paid card which will give them £100 to spend in shops, hospitality and other services by November 30th.

Announcing the details of the scheme on Tuesday, Northern Ireland's Minister for the Economy, Gordon Lyons, said he hoped it would "encourage many more customers back through the doors of local

“By applying, receiving and ultimately spending your Spend Local card in local businesses such as shops, hospitality and other services before November 30, you will be doing your bit to support your local businesses,” he said.

Glyn Roberts of Retail NI said the scheme was a "much needed welcome spending boost" as the sector had "suffered significantly" due to Covid-19.

“I encourage consumers to spend this card with local retailers to boost our economy,” he said.

In a statement later on Tuesday the Minister confirmed that the North’s booster vaccination programme would begin later this month.

It will follow the recommendation from the JCVI that the booster dose is offered at least six months after the second dose, and will be administered in the same order as during the first phase of the vaccination programme.

In Northern Ireland mobile health Trust teams will visit residential care homes to inoculate residents and staff, and Trusts will also begin to vaccinate frontline staff.

The North’s chief medical officer, Dr Michael McBride, said booster doses would “enable the more vulnerable to be vaccinated again” and would “maximise individual protection ahead of winter”.

The Department of Health in Northern Ireland reported seven more deaths of people with Covid-19 on Tuesday, and 1,590 additional cases.

A total of 441 people were receiving hospital treatment for the virus, with 41 in intensive care.