A MASS covid jab rollout for kids aged 12 to 15-year-old is reported to be announced next week.
The move follows a review by the chief medical officers (CMOs) of all four UK nations, led by professor Chris Whitty.
Last week, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) said children would receive only marginal health benefits, although it did consider the benefits of keeping kids in school.
In response to this, the UK’s chief medical officers have been drawing up advice for the Government on whether children aged 12 to 15 should be vaccinated.
But The Observer understands the Covid jabs programme for kids is set to go ahead and will begin on 22 September.
NHS bosses have been reportedly briefed on the plans after schools were told to be ready.
But Tory MPs had said they would oppose vaccinations for children without clear-cut medical and scientific evidence favouring it.
As reported kids could only get one Covid jab due to the very rare risk of a heart condition.
Studies have found a small link between the vaccines and inflammation of the heart, myocarditis.
But the risk is very small, with the majority of children who have had the jabs worldwide not suffering any major side-effects.
However, experts think one shot would be enough as it gives a higher level of protection against Covid to younger people.
Boris Johnson is due to set out the Government’s plan to tackle coronavirus over the coming months, with a reluctance to impose further lockdowns and a focus on vaccination.
The Prime Minister will host a press conference next week, as a decision is expected on how to roll out a booster jab programme.
Mr Johnson is expected to say that vaccines will continue to be the first line of defence over the autumn and winter, a high-risk time for coronavirus as other respiratory illnesses circulate.
And in a move away from locking down the country, a number of powers allowing the Government to shut down sections of the economy in England are set to be repealed.
Mr Johnson said: “Thanks to the efforts of the public, the NHS and our phenomenal vaccination programme, we reached Step 4 in our road map and life has returned to a sense of normality.
“These extraordinary times required necessary but intrusive measures. But I’m determined to get rid of any powers we no longer need because of our vaccine defences.
“I will set out the next phase in our Covid response shortly.”
The powers expected to be repealed under the Coronavirus Act include those allowing the closing down of the economy, the imposing of restrictions on events and gatherings, the power to temporarily close or restrict access to schools, and powers to detain infectious people.
