Health chiefs in Lincolnshire have today explained how vaccines will be rolled out to children aged 12-15 as well as booster jabs to over 50s.

The move follows recommendations yesterday from the UK's four Chief Medical Officers that healthy children aged 12-15 should be offered one dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

This was in contrast to the government's vaccine watchdog, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation ruling earlier this month that while the health gains from vaccinating the entire age group were greater than the risks, "the margin of benefit is considered too small" to support it.

The Lincolnshire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group said today: "We continue to prepare for the imminent rollout across Lincolnshire, which will be delivered in schools by our Schools Aged Immunisation Service.

"Those being home schooled or excluded will receive confirmation of how to access vaccinations shortly. We are liaising closely with the education department at Lincolnshire County Council to ensure we minimise disruption to education."

The CCG explained: "We will be managing the covid vaccination programme separately to the flu vaccination programme.

"The consent processes will be managed separately and any parent that has offered consent to-date for the flu vaccination can be assured that this consent is not applicable nor will be used to vaccinate their child/ children with the covid vaccine.

"Parents, guardians or carers will shortly be contacted and advised how to give consent for their child to receive the covid vaccine.

"In the meantime please do not contact your child's school or the NHS. Once children become eligible the NHS will contact you.

In a separate development yesterday, the government also announced booster vaccinations for people aged over 50.

The CCG continued: "In addition, we are also preparing to offer covid booster jabs from next week (w/c 20th September).

"We are currently awaiting the NHS operating guidance that will outline who will be eligible for a booster vaccination, as well as the legal framework to allow administration of the vaccines.

"We will be following JCVI guidance in relation to eligibility and the optimum window for vaccination."

The CCG added: "The Pfizer vaccination will be the primary vaccine used as the booster, irrespective of whether you were previously vaccinated with Pfizer or AstraZeneca, and should be given at least six months after the your second dose, with the optimum window being between 6 and 9 months.

"With this in mind, please do not contact the NHS, including your GP practice, about this – you will be called when it is your turn."