The NHS has started to roll out the coronavirus jab to school children aged 12 to 15, as part of the biggest vaccination drive in health service history.

Following the government’s acceptance of the UK Chief Medical Officers’ recommendation, almost three million children in this age group are eligible for one dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Jabs will start in hundreds of schools across the country this week with the NHS vaccination programme rolling out to others in the coming weeks.

Like the flu and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, coronavirus jabs will be delivered by local school age immunisation services (SAIS) who will work closely with schools to identify all eligible children. Consent letters are being sent out to parents and guardians with information on the coronavirus vaccination.

There are around 60 school age immunisation services across the country with teams made up of clinical staff such as paediatric nurses and school nurses.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and Deputy Lead for the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme, said: “Alongside one of our busiest summers, NHS staff have been working closely with schools to ensure they are ready to deliver the vaccine to children aged 12 to 15 who are now eligible.

“Following the decision by government, and building on the success of the NHS Covid-19 vaccination programme which has delivered over 77 million vaccinations, the NHS will now roll out to hundreds of schools over the next few days. The vaccine is safe and effective and I would urge families to work closely with their schools based vaccination team to get their loved ones vaccinated when they are invited to protect themselves and their families ahead of the winter period.”