New Pfizer jab for for 5-11 year olds in New Year

Two doses will be offered to those at risk of Covid-19

Children aged between five and 11 – who are at higher risk of Covid-19 – will be offered two doses of a new vaccine.

The Isle of Man Government has confirmed it's following the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

The Pfizer BioNTech Comirnaty vaccine will be given to those in clinical risk groups or who are household contacts of someone who is immunosuppressed.

JCVI guidance also recommends extending the booster vaccine to at risk 12-15 year olds and all 16-17 year olds three months after their second dose.

Rollout is expected to begin in the New Year.

Health Minister Lawrie Hooper said: "Whilst COVID is typically very mild in most young children there is a higher risk of severe illness and hospitalisation for those with underlying health conditions and two doses will provide vital protection against this.

"I understand that some parents may have concerns but the UK's Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MRHA) has reviewed clinical trials and real-world data and approved the use of this lower dosage, specifically for this age group, stating that the vaccine is safe and effective.

"They have also reported that the overwhelming majority have only had mild side-effects."

Parents or guardians of children aged 12 or under will need to provide consent for their child to receive a vaccine.

These individuals will be offered a second dose at least eight weeks after the first dose.