All 12 to 15-year-olds to be offered vaccine before end of October half-term

All 12 to 15-year-olds in Wales will have been offered a coronavirus vaccine by the end of October half-term, Wales’ Health Minister has said.

Some of the most vulnerable people in this age category have already began receiving their vaccinations, with health boards getting their vaccine rollout to others in this age group this week.

The vaccination of 12 to 15-year-olds was given the green light by the Welsh Government earlier this month.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Vaccines remain our strongest defence from the virus, helping prevent harm and stopping the spread of Covid-19. Some studies have shown show one in seven children who have been infected with the virus are thought to have also developed Long Covid.

“We have provided resources and information to help this age group make an informed choice about vaccination. I encourage parents, guardians, children and young people to discuss the vaccination together.”

Dr Gill Richardson, Wales’ Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Vaccines, said: “We have seen the benefits that come from having as many people as possible vaccinated.

“After careful consideration of the evidence, the four UK chief medical officers recommended the vaccination of healthy 12 to 15-year-olds after consultation with experts, such as the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.

“They concluded that the health benefits, combined with the additional benefits of reducing educational disruption and effects on mental health meant that vaccination should be offered.

“Children and their families will be receiving links to information with their invitation letters so they can make an informed decision about whether or not to have the vaccine.”

Who has been vaccinated so far?

The percentage of people in Wales who have received their first and second vaccine is broken down below:

Care home residents: 98.1% first dose; 96.2% second dose

Care home workers: 94.1% first dose; 91.2% second dose

Healthcare workers: 97% first dose; 95.2% second dose

Social care workers: 44,926 first dose; 44,320 second dose

Aged 80 and above: 96.2% first dose; 95.2% second dose

Aged 75-79: 97% first dose; 96.2% second dose

Aged 70-74: 96.3% first dose; 95.7% second dose

Clinically extremely vulnerable people aged 16-69 : 95% first dose; 93.2% second dose

Aged 65-69: 95.1% first dose; 94.2% second dose

Clinical risk groups aged 16 to 64: 90.6% first dose; 87.3% second dose

Aged 60-64: 93.5% first dose; 92.3% second dose

Aged 55-59: 91.8% first dose; 90.3% second dose

Aged 50-54: 90% first dose; 88% second dose

Aged 40-49: 85% first dose; 81.9% second dose

Aged 30-39: 78.3% first dose; 72.7% second dose

Aged 18-29: 77.5% first dose; 69.3% second dose

Aged 16-17: 71.3% first dose; 15.5% second dose

Source: Public Health Wales