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5.53pm BST

After months of uncertainty, the UK’s four chief medical officers have said that Covid-19 vaccinations can be offered to all 12-to-15-year-olds. How was the decision made, how will the vaccines be rolled out, and what difference will they make?

Related: How will the Covid vaccine rollout to 12-to-15-year-olds in UK work?

5.45pm BST

The UK’s four chief medical officers have decided that children aged 12 to 15 years olds can be offered Covid vaccinations. All children of this age group will be offered a first vaccine immediately, to be administered by the schools vaccination programme.

Earlier, the government’s vaccine watchdog – the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation – said the evidence for vaccinating healthy 12-15 year olds was that it was of marginal benefit.

Related: ‘It’s just that layer of security’: UK parents mostly welcome 12-15s getting Covid jabs

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