Children in the UK are being told to delay their Covid Jabs by 12 weeks post-infection, instead of previous advice which was 4 weeks.
The UK Health Security Agency said the change was a precaution against the ‘very, very small risk of heart inflammation after vaccination.
Although cases of myocarditis have been mild, UK vaccine advisers recommend a 12-week gap between doses if they have been infected by Covid-19, as it will be beneficial in lowering the risk further.
The longer gap, however, does not apply to children who are deemed at higher risk, with health conditions or who live with vulnerable adults.
The vaccine rollout has had over half of 16- and 17-year-olds come forward for a first dose, as well as a third of 12- to 15-year-olds, who are recommended to only have one dose so far.
Whilst this advice will slow down the vaccine programme, the UK Health Security Agency stress that this should not affect the spread of the virus as protection is given by natural infection, which gives good protection for three to six months.
From today, vaccination workers will be asking children if they have had a confirmed natural infection within the last 12 weeks as part of their assessment.
People are still encouraged to get their jab even if they have had a confirmed case of Covid-19 to get as much protection as possible.