Covid vaccines: Children told to delay jab for 12 weeks after infectionon November 17, 2021 at 4:19 pm

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

UK experts recommend 12-week delay for healthy 12 to 17-year-olds before Covid vaccine, up from four.

Child being given a vaccine by a doctor while her mother watches

Image source, Getty Images

Healthy children aged 12 to 17 are being advised to wait 12 weeks after an infection before having a Covid jab in the UK.

Previously the advice was to leave a four-week gap.

The UK Health Security Agency said the change was a precaution against the small risk of heart inflammation.

UK vaccine advisers recommended a 12-week gap between doses when they gave a green light on Monday for 16 and 17-year-olds to get a second jab.

Evidence is emerging that this length of gap may reduce the already low risk of heart inflammation after a vaccine in children whose risk from the virus is also very low.

UKHSA stressed the risk of the heart problem was extremely low – latest data suggests nine cases of myocarditis can be expected to be seen in children for every one million doses given.

Cases to date have been mild and recovered quickly with treatment.

But UKHSA said it was taking a cautious approach by extending the recommended gap between infection and vaccination to bring it in line with the gap between doses.

The longer gap does not apply to children who are deemed at higher risk – this includes those with health conditions and those who live with vulnerable adults.

Healthy children aged 12 to 15 are only being recommended to get one dose at the moment, whereas 16 and 17-year-olds are now able to get a second.

So far, over half of 16 and 17-year-olds have come forward for a first dose and nearly a third of 12 to 15-year-olds.

While the advice will slow down the rollout of the vaccine programme, UKHSA said it should not affect spread of the virus given the protection offered by natural infection.

It said natural infection provided good protection against re-infection for three to six months.

Around 30% of children are thought to have been infected by Covid in recent months, according to official estimates based on antibody tests.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

York: Student arrested after eggs thrown at King Charleson November 9, 2022 at 8:45 pm

Cries of "this country was built on the blood of slaves" were heard during the incident in York.This video can not be playedTo play...

Japan says Russia ‘blindfolded and restrained’ its consul in Vladivostokon September 27, 2022 at 9:30 am

Tokyo demands an apology after one its diplomats is accused of spying in Russia's Far East.Tokyo demands an apology after one its diplomats is...

Charlotte Edwards Cup round-Up: Lauren Winfield-Hill stars for Northern Diamondson May 14, 2022 at 5:07 pm

Northern Diamonds, South East Stars, Southern Vipers and Central Sparks win their opening fixtures of the Charlotte Edwards Cup.Northern Diamonds, South East Stars, Southern...

Footballer Dani Alves’s rape trial begins in Spainon February 5, 2024 at 7:44 pm

The ex-Brazil and Barcelona defender denies the assault, saying the sex was consensual.The ex-Brazil and Barcelona defender denies the assault, saying the sex was...

Sir Alex Ferguson helps unveil Denis Law statue in Aberdeenon November 18, 2021 at 12:45 pm

The former Aberdeen and Manchester United manager helps honour the fellow legend who was raised in the Granite City.