Vaccinating children against Covid: You have your say on whether youngsters should be covered by programme

From the need for more research to leaving it to a family to decide – these points were among the views when we asked whether children should be given a coronavirus jab.

By Fiona Thompson

Published 5th Apr 2021, 16:20 BST

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The question came after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) said children could be vaccinated against Covid-19 as a way of preventing disruption to their education, with a decision expected in later in the summer.

The University of Oxford is carrying out a clinical trial on children to test the safety and efficacy of its vaccine in younger age groups, with initial results expected in the summer.

Free twice-weekly Covid tests to be offered to everyone in England

Readers have had their say on whether children should be given a Covid-19 vaccination.

Readers have had their say on whether children should be given a Covid-19 vaccination.

It comes after Pfizer said trials of its Covid vaccine in children aged 12 to 15 showed 100% efficacy and a strong immune response.

Here’s what Echo readers had to say over the issue:

Sonia Boydell, who has children aged eight and six, said: “Yes, I think they should be given it as soon as one has been declared safe for use on children.

"Everyone one in the world should be vaccinated no matter age or health.

"They get the flu vaccine so can’t see why they can’t get this vaccine.”

Leah Rackstraw said: “Why vaccinate a child when it doesn't harm them?

"Really they just carry it and the vaccine doesn't stop that, so why do they need to have it.

"It wouldn't make any difference to the whole passing of the virus.”

Jonny Beattie said: “Yeah, I'm sorry but if we can give vaccines to people who have pre-existing/chronic, or elderly people, then kids can have it.

"Their education is paramount and if being vaccinated, will keep their education going - then absolutely they should be given the vaccine ASAP.

"Just administer it the same as all other school vaccines are - meaning parents can still prevent their child being vaccinated, if they wish.

"This stops any complaints that ‘it's against my child's rights’.”

Amanda Brown said: “They can still catch it and pass it on with a vaccine, so it would still affect their education regardless as they'd still be sent home to isolate as they are now.

"It's a no from me, not enough evidence for kids yet in my opinion.”

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