The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine will be offered to some children and young people aged 12 years and over with specific underlying health conditions that put them at risk of serious COVID-19. 

Following approval by MHRA for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to be used in those aged 12 and over, the JCVI has now updated its advice to enable 12 to 15 year olds with specific underlying health conditions to receive vaccination. This currently includes those with severe neuro-disabilities, Down’s Syndrome, underlying conditions resulting in immunosuppression, and those with profound and multiple learning disabilities, severe learning disabilities or who are on the learning disability register.  

Additionally, children and young people aged 12 years and over who live with someone who is immunosuppressed will be offered the opportunity to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. This is on the understanding that the main benefits from vaccination are related to the potential for indirect protection of their household contact who is immunosuppressed. Vaccination will also be offered to those young people who are within three months of their 18th birthday.

The JCVI has also advised young people aged 16 to 17 years of age who are at higher risk of serious COVID-19 should continue to be offered COVID-19 vaccination.

Health Minister Robin Swann, said: "Our vaccination programme has always been guided by the expert advice. The decision by the medicines regulator to approve the Pfizer vaccine for use in this younger age group has only been taken after rigorous assessment of both safety and effectiveness.

“Today’s subsequent announcement by the JCVI underlines the important role that the COVID-19 vaccines play in protecting people of all ages – especially those most at risk from this virus.”

Minister Swann added: “The success of our vaccination programme in Northern Ireland has undoubtedly protected many people from serious illness and saved lives.”