Germany will begin giving coronavirus vaccines to youngsters over the age of 12 from June 7. According to Chancellor Angela Merkel.

She did emphasize, however, that vaccination would not be mandatory. It would have no influence on whether or not children could attend a school or go on vacation.

On Friday, the European Medicines Agency is to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid vaccine for children aged above 12. It is already legal in the EU for people above the age of 16.

“From June 7, children and young people aged 12 and above will be able to schedule a vaccination appointment,” Merkel said after meeting with Germany’s regional leaders.

Those who want the vaccine will get at least the first of two injections by the end of August, just in time for the start of the new school year. “The essential message to parents is that vaccines will not be mandatory,” Merkel told reporters.

Vaccines in schools of Germany

Vaccinations will not be mandatory in schools. Therefore, in the fight against the pandemic, inoculating children is a critical step toward gaining herd immunity.

Over-12s are already getting vaccines in Canada and the United States. However, specialists have got misgivings, pointing out that severe Covid affects only a small percentage of youngsters and that vaccination supplies are still less. Merkel encouraged patience, stating that not every parent will be able to get their kid straight away.

After the Pfizer vaccine is given license, Germany’s STIKO vaccination authority will provide recommendations for over -12s.

Therefore, everyone over the age of 12 will get vaccines. Similar to the AstraZeneca vaccine, which is officially prescribe exclusively for individuals over the age of 60 in Germany but is available to everyone.

The coronavirus vaccination campaign in Europe’s largest economy has moved into high gear in recent weeks after a much-criticized tardy start. More than 40% of individuals have got their first vaccination, and 15% have got both doses.

The faster approach, along with speedy testing and broad shutdowns, has helped Germany break a third coronavirus outbreak and ease restrictions. Merkel declared, “This is a fantastic success”. She urges Germans, however, not to abandon safeguards like social separation, wearing masks, and airing out rooms.

The pandemic isn’t over yet.