Are they vaccinating 17 year olds?

[bailey999]

My son is 17 and I got a message from the GP to book his covid jab which I have booked for Monday. But I just read somewhere that vaccinations are only available for over 18s at the moment, is it likely he has been contacted in error?

I think it's probably an error unless he is very close to his 18th birthday.

No he's 18 in January

I believe some under 18s have been vaccinated in the UK if they're particularly vulnerable to Covid, but I assume from your post that your son doesn't have any relevant medical condition?

Over 16 can have vaccines licensed for that age group. There must be a supply locally.

My DS is due his first vaccine tomorrow at the GP and isn't 18 yet. I rang to check and was told it was ok, so we'll see what happens when he turns up! He is 18 this month though so that may make a difference.
They were doing 16-18 year olds at walk in centres here til quite recently but they're all saying over 18s only now.
Ironically, my youngest who has underlying health problems and sees far more people than the rest of us will then be the only unvaccinated member of our family. He's 16 soon so I am hoping that he'll be eligible by then.

@MrsAvocet you can ask your GP to vaccinate your youngest because the Pfizer vaccine is licensed for this age group. I know a few people who did this.

My 16 year old has had both jabs so definitely allowed.

Apparently if it prevent vaccines being wasted then yes they are.
Some areas are very ahead with vaccination, some areas have a lot of vaccine.
Pfizer is approved for over 16s so it is safe and your son is one of the lucky ones to be invited.
GPs have been advised to take any measures to avoid vaccines being thrown away so they are allowed to move onto whatever groups they need to to avoid wastage.

Actually it is approved for over-12s so 17 is perfectly fine.

MrsAvocet I'm sure you have done this, but it can certainly be given to under 16s at doctor's discretion. Please harrass contact the GP or specialist.
he is already eligible, the vaccine is now approved for over 12s. The JCVI (government appointed) cannot stop a doctor or specialist assessing that your DC is need of the vaccine if they are over 12. That is not even off-label use, it is a indicated use.