The Chief Medical Officer, Dr John Lee, confirmed today that the green light has been given for those aged 12 to 15 years of age to get vaccinated against Covid-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom have assessed data provided on the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and agreed that it has now demonstrated high efficacy and safety for this age group. This follows clinical trials which have shown that the jab is 100% effective and well tolerated among children aged 12 to 15. 

Dr Lee said, “I am very happy the Cayman Islands’ vaccination programme can now be extended to this age group. Today’s announcement provides a milestone in how far we have come in our aim to vaccinate the Cayman population in order to safely re-open the islands.  However, please remember that such is the success of our programme, our supplies are currently very limited and will soon be exhausted.”

There are approximately 3,000 children between 12 and 15 who are now eligible for vaccination although there are only limited supplies of vaccines available on island at this time.

“We consider this news a welcome indication that life may soon start to have some more normalcy for this highly mobile, purpose-driven age group,” said Minister of Health and Wellness, the Honourable Sabrina Turner. 

“As a parent I can understand that parents may still have some questions. I encourage you to speak with your children, and if appropriate their General Practitioners and Paediatricians. The scientific data is reassuring and that has made this such wonderful news to deliver today,” she added.

The Health Services Authority’s will announce the schedule for this age groups in the coming days. The public is encouraged to check the HSA’s website for more details of the availability of vaccination clinics: www.hsa.ky

Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine here: https://www.exploregov.ky/covid19-vaccine.