![\"A](\"https:\/\/ichef.bbci.co.uk\/news\/976\/cpsprodpb\/808D\/production\/_119890923_hi069048725.jpg\")
<\/span>Image source, <\/span>Reuters<\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nA second dose of the Pfizer vaccine will be offered to 16 and 17-year-olds across the UK, following updated advice from the UK’s vaccine committee.<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n All over-18s across the UK can have two Covid vaccine doses, as can some vulnerable, high-risk children over 12.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Healthy, low-risk children between 12 and 15 have only been offered a single dose – which should be delayed until 12 weeks after a coronavirus infection<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) says a second dose for those aged 16 and 17 is safe and effective 12 weeks after the first.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The JCVI has previously held back from recommending a second dose because of concerns over a very rare heart condition, called myocarditis, experienced by tiny numbers of young people – particularly boys – after the second dose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n It says it is now reassured by evidence from other countries that a 12-week gap between doses would lower that already very small risk.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A decision on a second dose for 12-15s has not yet been made but could happen in the next few weeks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n In the meantime, all 12-17 year olds should wait 12 weeks after a Covid infection before having their first or second dose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n No vaccine is currently approved for under-12s in the UK.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n If you’re over 18, and want to book your first, second or booster dose, you can find out how here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n No. If you’re under 40 or pregnant you’ll be given Pfizer or Moderna<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Every woman who is pregnant (or planning to become pregnant) is encouraged to get two vaccine doses. Hospital figures show that 98% of pregnant women admitted to intensive care this year were not vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Under-18s have so far been offered Pfizer. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The vaccines are very effective at protecting people against becoming seriously ill or dying from Covid-19. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Latest data from the UK Health Security Agency<\/a> suggests more than 90% protection against hospitalisation and death with all three vaccines.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n The vaccines are less effective at stopping people becoming infected by the virus, developing mild symptoms or passing it on – but they do reduce the risk of that happening too.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n If you’ve been double-jabbed, you are far less likely to become seriously ill or die from Covid.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Covid vaccines aren’t compulsory, but everyone is urged to get jabbed to protect themselves, their family, friends and wider society.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Children under 16 don’t need parental consent to get jabbed<\/a>, as long as they are believed to have “enough intelligence, competence and understanding to fully appreciate what’s involved in their treatment”. This is known as “Gillick competence”. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Covid vaccine: How are young people responding to the jab?<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n Being fully vaccinated can make travelling to most other countries easier, and in many cases means you will not have to self-isolate either when you return to the UK. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n However, it’s worth bearing in mind that under-16s are not eligible for their own digital NHS Covid Pass, which is now accepted widely as proof of vaccination. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n What’s more, the single jab which most UK teenagers have so far received, is not recognised as full vaccination by some countries (including France), and more tests may be required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Check your destination’s rules on the Foreign Office website<\/a> before you travel. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Most are mild, completely normal and disappear after a few days. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n They happen because the body’s defences are reacting to the vaccine, and include:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n A very small number of people had a severe allergic reaction<\/a> after the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, so you should discuss any allergies you have before vaccination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Why it is normal for some people to experience short-term side effects from Covid-19 vaccines<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n There’s no evidence to suggest you should avoid alcohol altogether, but drinking in large quantities can suppress your immune system.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Some women have experienced unusually heavy, painful or prolonged periods after being jabbed<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n This may be because the vaccine prompts an increase in activity in the immune system, which also plays a role in the menstrual cycle. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n However, there’s no evidence the vaccine has any impact on pregnancy or fertility.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Pregnant women are being urged to get the vaccine<\/a>, to protect themselves and their babies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Coronavirus can cause serious illness in some women in later pregnancy, and possibly a slightly higher rate of stillbirth<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nWhen can teenagers get a second dose?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
How can I get my vaccine?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Can I choose which vaccine I get?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
How effective are the vaccines? <\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Do I have to have a vaccine?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
What are the side effects?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
\n
Can I drink alcohol after the vaccine?<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
Does the vaccine affect periods? <\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n