The Dutch Health Council has advised the government to make it possible for children aged five to 11 to get coronavirus shots, reports Reuters.

The council had until now only recommended that children with underlying health issues be vaccinated for Covid-19.

In a statement, the leading advisory body said that it was making the recommendation even though most children experience mild symptoms from the virus.

“There is a risk of a serious inflammatory reaction in the vital organs. It is plausible that vaccination can prevent this,” it said. “Vaccination also reduces the indirect health disadvantage that children experience as a result of the pandemic, for example because they are limited in going to school, sports or social contacts.”