Children could soon get a covid vaccine in school if the government gives the go ahead for 12 to 15-year-olds to be jabbed.
Schools minister, Nick Gibb, made the announcement and said parental consent will "always be sought" before any child is vaccinated.
But Mr Gibb then went on to say teenagers may be able to give the green light themselves but only in very "rare" circumstances.
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The news comes as UK medical officers are currently reviewing whether to administer the jab to 12 to 15-year-olds and the wider benefits this may have.
If the rollout gets the go ahead Mr Gibb said: "The School Age Immunisation Service will deliver these vaccinations through the schools.
"It is the swiftest and most efficient way of delivering the vaccination programme, as with other vaccination programmes for that age group.
"The consent from parents will always be sought before the child is vaccinated in the school.
"In some circumstances, and it is rare, children can consent themselves if they are competent to do so. The people administering vaccines in schools are aware of these sensitive issues."
There has been some negativity towards vaccinating young children.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) declined to recommend a widespread rollout to the age group on health grounds
Children are now returning to schools after the summer holidays and classroom life will be a lot different than the last 18 months.
They will not be kept in bubbles anymore and face coverings are no longer advised.
Also, children who come into contact with someone who tests positive for the virus don't have to isolate unless they return a positive PCR test themselves.
When speaking to MPs the schools minister said: "There's no real reason for schools to maintain the bubble arrangements.
"It's not the advice that we are giving to schools and we have regional schools commissioners in all our regions and they will be talking to schools."
