The eastern coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province has rolled out COVID-19 vaccination for minors aged between 12 and 17.

Before vaccination, a minor's legal guardian will be provided with all relevant information so that the child can understand the process before deciding whether to be inoculated. Guardians should remain with their children during vaccination, said the Qingdao municipal center for disease control and prevention.

The city will carry out mass vaccination for minors in stages and by age, from senior students to those in junior grades.

The city's initial plan is to complete the first dose of vaccination for teens aged between 15 and 17 before Aug 7, and start vaccinating those aged 12 to 14 by the end of August. The city's 12-17 age group is expected to complete vaccinations by the end of September this year.

A parent accompanies his daughter during COVID-19 vaccination at a community health service center in Qingdao West Coast New Area on Aug 5. [Photo/VCG]

A parent and her son read consent forms before receiving the vaccination at a community health service center in Qingdao on Aug 5. [Photo/VCG]

A parent accompanies her child for vaccination in Qingdao on Aug 5. [Photo/VCG]

Parents and children sit in the observation area after vaccination at a community health service center in Qingdao West Coast New Area on Aug 5. [Photo/VCG]