Published 13 September 2021
Last updated 14 September 2021
The UK’s Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) have today recommended that all 12-15 years olds are offered the COVID-19 vaccine, in addition to those covered in the JCVI advice (3 Sept 2021).
It will now be up to ministers whether to accept the recommendation of the four CMOs.
In this letter to health secretary Sajid Javid, chief medical officers advised on “public health grounds” that ministers immediately extend the current offer of a first dose the Pfizer vaccine to all children aged 12-15.
“If ministers accept this advice, UK CMOs would want the JCVI to give a view on whether, and what, second doses to give to children and young people aged 12 to 15 once more data on second doses in this age group has accrued internationally. This will not be before the spring term.”
Previously, the JCVI (Join Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) had advised that the vaccine was offered to children aged 12-15 with “haemodynamically significant congenital and acquired heart disease, or milder heart disease with other co-morbidity.”
Medical professionals have said implementing this roll out will help to reduce disruption to young people’s education, which we know has been greatly affected at a cost to children’s wellbeing.
ECHO’s Chief Executive today welcomes this news. We understand the impact COVID-19 has had on children’s education and schooling and support families in their decision to receive the vaccine.
Medical professionals have said implementing this roll out will help to reduce disruption to young people’s education, which we know has been greatly affected at a cost to children’s wellbeing.
The RSCHPH (Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health) noted: “Participation in activities inside and outside of school are key to children’s development, resilience, and mental health and wellbeing.”
At ECHO we are in communication with the British Congenital Cardiac Association and Evelina London’s Cardiology team, and will publish further guidance and information specific to those with heart conditions as and when it is available, on our website and social media @echoukcharity.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s specific care, please contact your Cardiac Liason Nurse.
14 September 2021
The BCCA have today (14 September 2021) published advice for patients about the COVID 19 vaccination in 12-15 year olds with Congenital Heart Disease:
“The Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunisation recently recommended that 12-15 year olds in specific risk categories should receive two doses of Covid-19 vaccine.
The risk categories included 12-15 year olds with “Haemodynamically significant congenital and acquired heart disease, or milder heart disease with other co-morbidity.” The 12-15 year olds who should be offered two doses of the Pfizer vaccine has been considered within the BCCA and includes:
– Single ventricle patients or those palliated with a Fontan (Total Cavo-Pulmonary Connection) circulation
– Those with chronic cyanosis (oxygen saturations <85% persistently)
– Patients with cardiomyopathy requiring medication
– Patients with congenital heart disease on medication to improve heart function
– Patients with pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs) requiring medication
– Patients who have undergone heart transplantation
– Patients with congenital heart disease and significant co-existing conditions e.g. chronic kidney disease or chronic lung disease.
– Any patient who was previously classified as “clinically extremely vulnerable” and advised to shield
– Patients who have been advised to receive Covid 19 vaccination by their cardiologist because of their specific clinical situation.
The Chief Medical Officers of all nations of the United Kingdom have recommended that 12-15 year olds without associated health conditions should be offered vaccination against Covid – 19 with a single dose of vaccine (Pfizer vaccine). This is based on assessment of balance of medical and educational benefits of preventing severe Covid-19 infection versus rare potential side effects of vaccination. 12-15 year olds with congenital heart disease outside the risk groups outlined above should be offered a single dose of Covid-19 vaccination in the same way as those without associated risk factors.”
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