Italy steps up covid vaccination campaign of teenagers ahead of return to school.

Young people in Italy aged between 12 and 18 years will be able to get vaccinated against covid-19 without booking in advance, starting from 16 August, reports news agency ANSA.

Italy's coronavirus emergency commissioner General Francesco Figliuolo has written to all Italian regions requesting that citizens in this age group are fast-tracked through the vaccination system, "even without prior reservation".

• Italy's medicines agency approves Pfizer covid vaccine for 12 to 15-year olds

Figliuolo says the acceleration of the vaccine campaign for young people comes ahead of the reopening of schools in September and the resumption of the sporting season.

Currently the only covid vaccines authorised for under 18s are Pfizer and Moderna.

• Italy makes covid Green Pass mandatory for teachers

The Italian government recently made the covid Green Pass compulsory for all teachers and school staff, as well as staff and students of universities, with effect from 1 September.

The Green Pass, or Certificazione Verde, shows that people have been vaccinated, tested negative or recovered from covid-19, and does not apply to children under 12.