AQW 24120/17-22

Ms Paula Bradshaw
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 12/10/2021
Answered On Date: 03/11/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health when he proposes to update guidance that people turning 18 years old should come forward for a second dose of the vaccine, and whether they should do so even if more than 12 weeks have passed since their first dose.

Answer:

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 on when and if a second dose is required for this age group.