i mean, there is a balance, obviously, between the potential side effects and the damage that covid can do. other countries, including the us and france, have gone further, and already offerjabs to all children over 12. a similar move in this country looks unlikely for the moment. the recommendation to extend the jab roll out to those 16 and 17—year—olds will need to be signed off by ministers in all four nations of the uk. after that happens, we could see appointments offered in just two weeks�* time. jim reed, bbc news. there�*ll be a downing street briefing at half past three where we�*re expecting an announcement on vaccines for 16 and 17—year—olds. we�*ll bring you that live. the deputy chief medical officerfor england, professorjonathan van—tam, will bejoined by professor wei shen lim from thejoint committee for vaccinations and immunisation,