Italy's government has urged regions to prioritise COVID-19 vaccinations for those aged between 12 and 18, in an effort to extend the campaign before schools and sports activities restart across the country.

In a letter addressed to regional governors, seen by Reuters, the government's special COVID Commissioner Francesco Paolo Figliuolo on Wednesday called on the regions to vaccinate youngsters without them requiring a reservation. "In order to fast-track vaccinations among the 12 to 18-year-olds ... you should give them priority even if they don't have a booking," Figliuolo wrote, saying the new policy should apply from Aug. 16.