East China's Shandong province has begun phasing in COVID-19 vaccinations for minors aged between 12 and 17.

The province will carry out mass vaccination for minors in stages and by age, from senior students to those in junior grades, according to the Shandong Provincial Health Commission.

Before vaccinations, a minor's legal guardian will be provided with all relevant information to ensure that their child is informed, consenting, and then voluntarily vaccinated. The guardian should remain with their child during their vaccinations.

The province's initial plan is to first start vaccination for teens aged between 15 and 17 in early August, and start vaccinating those aged 12 to 14 by the end of August or the beginning of September. Vaccinations for the region's 12-17 age group is expected to be completed by the end of September this year.

Official statistics showed that by Aug 4, about 1.51 million minors aged 15 to 17 have been vaccinated in the province, with the immunization coverage rate reaching 47.7 percent.

A parent accompanies her daughter during their COVID-19 vaccination on Aug 3 at a health service center in Rizhao, Shandong province. [Photo/VCG]

Parents and their children line up for COVID-19 vaccinations on Aug 3 at a health service center in Rizhao, Shandong province. [Photo/VCG]

A parent remains with her child during their vaccination on Aug 5 in Rizhao, Shandong province. [Photo/VCG]