NHS group apologises for children’s Covid vaccine letter mistake

‘We are extremely sorry for this mix-up’

(EPA)

Health bosses have issued an apology after inviting a number of clinically extremely vulnerable children for a Covid-19 vaccine.  

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) sent an invitation for inoculation to children under the age of 16, but coronavirus vaccines have not yet been approved for use in those under the age of 18. 

A statement from the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group said: “Due to the processing error reported today (29 January), we are aware that some children under the age of 16 who are classed as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable (CEV) have mistakenly received a letter inviting them for a Covid-19 vaccination.

“We are extremely sorry for this mix-up. Anyone under the age of 16, including children classed as CEV, are not currently advised to have a Covid-19 vaccination. Please ignore this letter.”

Nottinghamshire’s health officials admitted they “have not got it right all of the time” in relation to the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine, but plans will not be altered going forward.

Investigations are underway to understand how the vaccine affects children, as Moderna has begun testing its coronavirus vaccine on children aged 12, while Pfizer has now started testing to see its effects on teens and children.

Currently, there is very limited data on vaccination in adolescents, with no data on vaccination in younger children.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advises that in special circumstances, children aged 12 and over, who are at very high risk of exposure and serious outcomes, such as older children with severe neuro disabilities who require residential care, could be offered either the Pfizer-BioNTech or the AstraZeneca vaccine, but this would be considered unlicensed use of the vaccine.