Nursery World - Coronavirus vaccination could be extended to five-year-olds in the UK

Children as young as five could be offered the Covid-19 vaccination if approved by the UK’s medicines and healthcare products regulatory agency (MHRA).

Pfizer is expected to seek approval from the UK's medicine's regulator to use its Covid-19 vaccination in primary school age children PHOTO Adobe Stock

The MHRA has confirmed that Pfizer, a producer of the Covid-19 vaccination, is expected to apply for permission for the jab to be used in five-to-11-year-olds in this country.

Currently only children from the age of 12 are able to take up a vaccination against Coronavirus in the UK. Unlike adults, they are offered just one dose.

The news follows the move by Ireland to approve use of the vaccine for five–to–11-year-olds this week, following in the footsteps of Italy, Spain, Australia and the United States.

Reports suggest it will likely be January before the main vaccination programme begins in Ireland and those in this age group will receive a lower dose than older children.

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