The Croatian Public Health Institute (HZJZ) announced on Friday that the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines have been registered for voluntary vaccination of children aged 12 and over.

Voluntary vaccination is recommended for children older than 12. There has not been any vaccine registered yet for children under the age of 12 and so they cannot be vaccinated.

“The risk-benefit ratio of vaccination of children aged 12 and over is favourable,” HZJZ said and noted the increased risk of gathering and children spending time in groups during the school year.

HZJZ specified five groups of children for whom vaccination against coronavirus is particularly recommended — children with chronic diseases, children who live in a household with someone who has a chronic disease, students in the final year of secondary school, and students who attend practical classes, fieldwork or classes outside the classroom.

According to HZJZ’s recommendations, students in dormitories should also get vaccinated.

Children or parents who wish to have their children vaccinated can see their regular school physician or any other vaccination point without an appointment or they can make an appointment with their GP.