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The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that as of Monday 19th July, vulnerable children at increased risk of Covid-19 are being offered the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. This includes children aged between 12-15 with severe neurodisabilities, Down’s syndrome, immunosuppression and multiple or severe learning disabilities. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is currently the only vaccine that has been authorised for children in the UK, for those aged 12 or older. The JCVI is not currently advising vaccination of children outside of these groups, until more research into possible side effects has been carried out.

The Government has confirmed plans to change mental health law in England and Wales, following calls from campaigners. The reforms could take a few years to come into force, as there will need to be a new law that will need to be voted on in Parliament. The need for the reforms was highlighted by new NHS data which was made available last week, which showed the number of mental health inpatients with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism in June 2021. The changes to the law could result in fewer autistic people being sent to mental health hospitals based on their diagnosis.

The BBC has appointed Cerrie Burnell as its first disability ambassador in one of three new disability-focussed roles. As part of a specialist disability team, based in Salford, it will develop, deliver and champion the BBC’s disability agenda as part of the broadcaster’s wider diversity strategy.

Burnell is joined by new creative diversity disability lead, Kay Ashton MBE, and project manager of Elevate, Nichola Garde. Burnell, Ashton and Garde join the BBC’s creative diversity unit, led by June Sarpong, the BBC’s first director of creative diversity, and will work closely with Allan MacKillop, the BBC’s Diversity & Inclusion Disability Lead. Actress, author and former CBeebies presenter Burnell will work with commissioning and production teams over the next 12 months to champion authentic on-screen portrayal of disability.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given the okay to an app designed to help clinicians diagnose autism in children, labeling it safe for use. But it’s still unclear whether the technology is effective, researchers say, raising concerns that it could actually disrupt the standard diagnosis process and, in some cases, lead to delays in starting therapy.

Young Minds is calling for a network of hubs across the country that would provide early support for young people’s mental health when their problems first emerge. Early support hubs offer drop-in support on a self-referral basis for anyone up to age 25 struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. They can be flexible to their location and what is already there, but they will be:

• Physical, dedicated spaces in local areas specifically for young people up to age 25
• Created for young people and their needs
• Bring together information and advice for young people on work, employment and sexual health alongside support for mental health