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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
World
Abbie Wightwick & Lottie Gibbons

Start of school in January set to be delayed in Wales as Boris Johnson calls on pupils to be jabbed

The start of the school term in January will reportedly be delayed in Wales amid Omicron fears.

According to WalesOnline, Education Minister Jeremy Miles said all pupils should return to school by January 10.

It was added that “where possible” pupils should be in school for lessons next term.

READ MORE: Liverpool's covid infection rate compared to the rest of the country

It's reported that Mr Miles said the added two planning days would allow secondary schools to organise online learning if needed, and for pupils to “safely sit” January GCSE exams which are due to start on January 11.

Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has called on schoolchildren eligible for the coronavirus vaccine to be jabbed before the new term as bookings open for 12 to 15 year-olds to get their second dose.

Appointments for children in this age group for their follow-up jab can be made from Monday in England, the Prime Minister said.

He encouraged all young people entitled to a vaccine to take up the offer before they return to their desks after Christmas.

He told the Downing Street press conference: "From Monday, 12 to 15-year-olds can book in for a second jab and we know how crucial it is to keep children in school, so let's all make sure our children and young people are vaccinated before they go back next term."

Last month, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) said children aged 12 to 15 should be offered a second dose of the vaccine 12 weeks after the first jab.

The rollout for first doses to this age group in England began on September 20, and the figure stood at 54% unvaccinated up to December 5.

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