COVID19 Child Vaccine Now Available for 16-17 yr olds in UK - What is Gillick Competency? - Dr Gill

COVID 19 Child Vaccine Now Available for 16-17 yr olds in UK - What is Gillick Competency? - Dr Gill

In a very welcome news update, the JCVI - the Joint Committee and Vaccines and Immunisation has now ruled that the Pfizer Covid 19 vaccine can be administered or given to children or adolescents of the 16-17 years age group.

This is an important step as this age group is highly mobile and social so it is a strong potential vector for COVID19 transmission. Thus vaccinating this group is likely to further suppress the spread of the virus

It is acknowledged that severe covid occurs around 1:60,000 cases in this age group. But the reduced risk doesn't mean no risk, and the majority of people would naturally want to reduce the risk of harm to children, which the vaccine does.

The age group of 16-17yrs legally in the UK is very interesting, in that they are considered to have autonomy for medical procedures - termed Gillick, or Fraser competency, and thus can access a vaccine without parental consent.

Vaccines are a safe, and powerful force against covid. The single Pfizer has an 80% effectiveness at preventing severe covid, with an expected rise to more than 90% with the second dose

I would strongly encourage all, when the offer arises, to protect yourselves and your loved one's and take the covid19 vaccine and help us all come through this pandemic to reach a new normal

#covid19 #covid19vaccine #drGill

You can now consult via video or in person with Dr Gill at Dr Finlay’s Private Practice - https://www.drfinlays.co.uk/services/video-consultation/