Covid vaccination at schools set to begin

A COVID vaccination programme in schools is being planned to maximise uptake among those aged 12 to 15.

Following the government’s announcement that the vaccine will now be offered to that age group, Leicestershire County Council is rolling out an in-school effort to ensure access to the jabs for as many as possible.

Last week’s Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) Joint Health Committee heard the council has plans to launch the programme this week.

It is expected to take eight to 10 weeks to get around all the schools.

Parental permission is expected to be required for pupils to receive the vaccine, with plans for a second stage of vaccinations being considered at a later date for those who miss their chance due to a recent positive test or what is termed “vaccine hesitancy”. Kay Darby, deputy director of the vaccination program, said: ‘Because the Covid vaccine is a little more contentious, there’s a slightly different approach (to other in-school vaccinations), very much around parental consent.

“It may not be the approach that children can consent themselves.”

The vaccination teams will be working with schools to provide information to parents and pupils so they can make an informed choice.

“Some people will take longer to make a decision that they want their child vaccinated, so we will be working on how they can come forward if a vaccination (clinic) comes to a school and they are not ready and have not had time to think it through. There will be a second reoffer for those people.”