Responding to a parliamentary question, Paulette Lenert (LSAP) wrote that only Biontech/Pfizer had submitted an application to the EMA for vaccines designed for children and young people. The firm's vaccine is aimed at 12-15-year-olds.

“The studies in this group show a vaccine efficiency of 100%. Due to the recent side effects of vector-based vaccines, it is unlikely that AstraZeneca or Janssen will attempt to position their vaccine in this age group,” the minister wrote.

Lenert continued that it was logical to vaccinate children and young people once vaccines are approved, adding that it would “contribute to herd immunity, but is only possible if the vaccine is formally approved by the EMA for this age group.”