The Ministry of Health is at the advanced planning stage to begin the vaccination of children under 18 years.

Permanent Secretary for Health Doctor James Fong says they will begin with children between 16 and 18-years-old.

Doctor Fong says this will involve a stringent process to ensure that parental or guardian consent is secured and online registration is encouraged before vaccination.

The required number of vials of the vaccine has been put aside to ensure this target population between 16 and 18 can receive both doses.

He adds more stock is expected to continue the vaccination of eligible children less than 18-years-old.

The Permanent Secretary says any decision on the opening of schools will be contingent on how well this vaccination phase rolls out.