Britain’s medical chiefs are considering giving children aged 12-15 a single dose of Covid vaccines, according to reports.
The four Chief Medical Officers for the UK have been told one dose gives a higher level of protection against Covid to younger people.
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If vaccines for youngsters are approved, then Pfizer or Moderna jab are understood to be the preferred choice.
Top Government aides are being urged to consider the single jab plan, as scientific advisors prepare to announce their decision on the rollout.
Moderna are understood to have conducted a trial which found their vaccine generates antibodies in 97 per cent of youngsters after just one dose.
A single jab of Pfizer is also believed to offer similar protection to those of the same age group.
One member of the SAGE told the i: “I expect a decision on vaccinating adolescents will be made soon.
“With both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines offering high levels of protection after just one dose this is one course of action being considered.”
Another SAGE member added: “The data shows that while the risks are incredibly low, side effects like myocarditis and pericarditis occur after a second vaccination.
“It should also be remembered that there is no evidence that a child has died from either, and the very few that do suffer side effects appear to fully recover quickly.”
The MHRA has approved Pfizer and Moderna jabs for kids aged 12 and over, but the JCVI last week advised against their use in 12 to 15-year-olds.
Following the advice, Chris Whitty and his counterparts in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales were asked to consider the wider effect on schools.
‘VITAL ROLE’
New research has also shown that vaccinating the younger generations could play a “vital” role in ending the pandemic.
The researchers concluded: “The data presented here clearly demonstrate that vaccinating adolescents and children has the potential to play a vital role in achieving this and ending the pandemic more quickly.”
On Thursday the MHRA approved third dose jabs for both Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines.
But the lead scientist who created the Oxford jab has claimed that a mass booster programme is unnecessary.
Prof Dame Sarah Gilbert told The Telegraph: “We will look at each situation; the immunocompromised and elderly will receive boosters.
“But I don’t think we need to boost everybody. Immunity is lasting well in the majority of people.”
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