So far, more than 50% of young people aged 16-17 have taken up the Covid-19 vaccine, and this autumn the rollout is being extended further, with those aged 12-15 being offered jabs. Additionally, 16- and 17-year-olds can now book online for the first time, having previously had their shots at walk-in centres or through their GPs.
These age groups are being encouraged to get vaccinated because, while older people are more at risk of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19, some healthy young people have become very unwell too.
Not only does vaccinating these age groups help protect individuals by reducing the chances of them catching Covid-19 or becoming seriously ill, it also benefits the wider community by helping prevent the spread of the disease.
The young people in these age groups are eligible for one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine – although those with prior health conditions that put them at increased risk from the virus will be advised to receive two doses.
You will find more information on the Covid-19 vaccination for young people on the gov.uk website – but here, with the help of paediatrician Dr Bob Phillips, we answer some key questions about the vaccine, its safety, and why the vaccine is good for your family and the wider community.
Why should my son or daughter get vaccinated?
While Covid-19 is mild or asymptomatic in most young people, it can be very unpleasant for some, and one dose of the vaccine provides them with good protection against severe illness and hospitalisation. Vaccinating 12- to 15-year-olds should also help reduce the need for them to have time off school, potentially improving their mental health and wellbeing.
“If we can cut down the number of people who have the infection, there are fewer people to pass it on to others,” says Phillips. “And so the infection doesn’t go through the population. Illnesses we’ve done this with in the past include smallpox and measles.”
Is the vaccine safe for young people?
Since December 2020, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been given to millions of people in the UK. Following a rigorous review of the safety, quality and effectiveness of the vaccines in those aged 12-15, the independent medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), has confirmed that it’s safe and effective. The UK has also benefited from data from the US, Canada and Israel, where young people aged 12-15 have already been offered the vaccine.
“The evidence we have so far suggests the risks of disease are still going to be greater than the risks of having the vaccine,” says Phillips. “The side effects you get from the vaccine are, essentially, a sore arm and perhaps feeling a bit shivery. All vaccines have very small risks of non-local side effects of different sorts, but the numbers are very small.”
How were the vaccines developed so quickly?
All Covid-19 vaccines have gone through three stages of clinical trials, and have been tested on tens of thousands of people around the world. The trial phases were run in parallel, which sped up overall vaccine production – but, crucially, didn’t result in a reduction in critical research time.
“All the normal safety checks were done, but the schedule was enormously speeded up,” says Phillips. “Instead of the process being run like it was business as usual, development of Sars-CoV-2 vaccines went to the top of everybody’s lists. The infrastructure to do this already existed, but in this case it was used in a more efficient way.”
How does the consent process work?
For those aged 12-15, the jabs are being rolled out in schools and colleges, with information and consent letters sent out in the same way as for other vaccines.
Parents, guardians and carers will be asked for their consent, and the idea is that they make the decision jointly with the young person. The information leaflet each young person receives encourages them to discuss the matter with their parents.
If a parent does not return a consent form, but the young person wishes to have the jab on the day of the vaccination session, they might be considered mature enough to provide their own consent – although every effort will be made to contact the parent for verbal consent.
Young people aged 16 and 17 do not need parental consent.
What if a parent or carer declines the vaccine for a young person?
Some 12- to 15-year-olds will be considered mature enough to provide their own consent. Healthcare professionals from the immunisation teams have plenty of expertise in vaccinating young people, and will be responsible for assessing whether a young person has enough understanding to self-consent.
“If a parent declines the vaccine, providers might look into why, and try to address their concerns,” says Phillips. “But it is also possible for a competent [younger person] to agree to an intervention that they and a doctor or clinical practitioner think is right for them. This has been the general rule for years.”
If no consent is received, and the young person is not competent or doesn’t want to be vaccinated, they won’t receive the vaccine.
Can a young person with allergies go ahead?
There are very few young people who can’t receive the vaccine. The vaccine leaflet will have all the safety information you need, including a link to more detailed information about health conditions that may prevent a young person from receiving one. All young people and their parents or carers should consult their clinician if they have concerns regarding allergies.
What side effects can my son or daughter expect?
Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects. Most are mild and short term, and not everyone gets them. Very common side effects of the Covid-19 vaccine include, in the first day or two, tenderness in the arm, feeling tired, headache, aches and chills. Young people may also experience flu-like symptoms.
Worldwide, there have been reports of rare cases of inflammation of the heart, called myocarditis or pericarditis. These have been mainly in younger men, and within a few days of a second dose. Most felt better having had rest and simple treatments.
Protecting your child and the community
What you need to know if your son or daughter is aged 12-15
All young people aged 12-15 will be offered a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine through local school age immunisation services. The process for delivering the jab in schools and colleges will follow that for other vaccines.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been recommended for this age group by all UK chief medical officers, and the MHRA has concluded that it’s safe and effective for people aged 12-15.
One dose of the vaccine is 94% effective against hospitalisation, and offers protection against serious illness. The vaccine also reduces the chances of transmission among extended family and support networks.
Vaccinating your 12- to 15-year-old will help keep their school life on track and minimise the risk of disruption due to the need to self-isolate.
Consent of a parent or guardian will always be sought before a young person is vaccinated.
Clear, advice about the risks and benefits will be provided, and local school age immunisation services will mediate if young people and parents disagree. Those aged 12-15 can decide to be vaccinated if they understand the benefits and risks, and are deemed capable of consenting themselves.
Any young person who misses the school vaccination session will still be able to get a jab in a follow-up programme.
If you have questions about the vaccine, please speak to your local school age immunisation service. You’ll receive contact details with the information and consent form.
Find out more about vaccinating your 12- to 15-year-old at gov.uk, and look out for the information and consent forms that are being sent out now.
Don’t get left behind
What you need to know if you’re 16 or 17 – or have a teenager of this age
Vaccinations are estimated to have saved more than 100,000 lives in England, according to Public Health England.
The MHRA says that the Covid-19 vaccine is safe and effective for 16- and 17-year-olds.
This age group is being offered one dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Getting it is quick, easy and free, and the best way to protect teens and their families from serious illness and hospitalisation.
Since 24 September, an online booking service has been available for people in this age group, in addition to walk-in centres and GP surgeries.
With more than 50% of 16- and 17-year-olds vaccinated, those remaining shouldn’t get left behind. Being vaccinated means less risk of missing out on any of the activities they enjoy this autumn.
If you’re the parent of a teenager who has yet to be jabbed, why not head to nhs.uk and help them make their appointment online?
This advertiser content was paid for by the UK government. All together (“Vaccinations for young people”) is a government-backed initiative tasked
with informing the UK about the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information, visit gov.uk/coronavirus
