DORSET health services are “awaiting final guidance” from national NHS teams ahead of a proposed Covid-19 vaccination programme for 12 to 15-year-olds.

The UK's chief medical officers have recommended a single Pfizer dose for children aged between 12 and 15. Professor Chris Whitty said it was a "difficult decision", but that absence from school "has been extraordinarily difficult for children”.

A Dorset HealthCare spokesperson said: “The Dorset team is reviewing plans for school age vaccinations following the announcement by the Prime Minister about the offer of Covid vaccination to 12–15-year-olds.

“We anticipate that this will include the school age flu and Covid-19 programme being offered together in schools, with parents having the opportunity to consent to both, one or neither of the vaccines.

“We are currently awaiting final guidance from national teams.

They added: “The school age immunisation team will contact schools to arrange a visit as usual for flu vaccination, with the final schedule being agreed shortly. We expect further details from the national team, including information on consent, in the next few days. The team will work closely with schools, including an opportunity for questions at the all-school briefing.”

Ministers in the four UK nations will soon decide whether to accept the recommendations. If they agree, children will be offered the Pfizer vaccine which is likely to be given in schools, with parental consent.

Aspirations Academies Trust represents 15 academy schools in the south including Livingstone Academy in Bournemouth and Magna Academy in Poole.

A spokesperson said: “Aspirations Academies Trust secondary schools in the Bournemouth area have yet to receive a letter from NHS England notifying them of a date for the vaccination programme rollout to begin.”