UK to offer COVID vaccine to all children 5-11

By SYLVIA HUI
Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — British officials say a coronavirus vaccine will be offered to almost six million children from 5 to 11 years old in the U.K. The government said young children will be offered a low-dose COVID-19 shot on a “non-urgent” basis beginning in April in England. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also announced similar measures. Healthy Secretary Sajid Javid said Wednesday that it is up to parents if they want to take up the offer to increase protection against potential future waves of COVID-19. The U.K. currently offers shots to children 11 and under who have medical conditions that mean they are at serious risk of complications. Around 85% of those 12 and over in the U.K. has been fully vaccinated.