largely in those younger age groups. 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. new research suggests most children who become ill with covid, recover within a week, and long—term symptoms are rare. scientists from king's college london say they're "reassured" that the number of young people who experience prolonged illness is low. here's our health