To ask the Minister of Health, given that both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are essential against the Delta Variant, (i) to outline the specific public health advice behind delaying the second dose of the vaccine to those aged 16 and 17 years; and (ii) when the second dose will be made available to this group.

JCVI, in their statement dated 4th August, recommended that all 16 – 17-year olds without underlying health conditions placing them “at risk” should be offered a first dose of Pfizer-BNT162b2 vaccine. This is in addition to the existing offer of two doses of vaccine to 16 – 17 year olds who are in ‘at-risk’ groups or household contact of an immunosuppressed person.

Full details of the factors considered by JCVI in reaching their conclusions can be found in their advice published on 4th August.

JCVI statement on COVID-19 vaccination of children and young people aged 12 to 17 years: 4 August 2021 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Pending further evidence on effectiveness and safety in this age group, a second vaccine dose is anticipated to be offered later to increase the level of protection and contribute towards longer term protection. Further data will inform exact details which will be provided in a subsequent update to JCVI advice before second doses are due at approximately 12 weeks after the first dose.