Teachers hail high take-up of pupils opting to have Covid jab

LONDON schoolchildren began receiving their Covid jab today as teachers and health chiefs hailed an “amazing” take-up rate.

About 800 of the 1,000 eligible pupils aged 12-15 at Villiers High School in Southall have consented to be vaccinated, with the first 200 receiving the single dose of Pfizer.

Malaika Khalid, 12, was the first pupil to be jabbed. She told the Standard she was nervous about receiving the vaccine but was keen to avoid having to return to online learning. “I’m a bit concerned about the side-effects,” she said.

“I was talking to my mum and my dad about how scared I was. But it’s going to protect you from Covid, it’s like a bodyguard, the vaccine.”

Villiers headteacher Aruna Sharma said she was surprised at the take-up rate, having expected only 50 per cent to say yes. The school is based in a deprived, ethnically diverse area.

“I think it is really positive,” she said. “It busts the myth about BAME communities not being in favour of getting the vaccine.

“I expected a mixed reaction but I’m delighted with the uptake. I think a lot of parents want to make sure their children are protected and can continue their learning.”

Almost three million children in the 12-15 age group are eligible for one dose of Pfizer after the Government’s acceptance of the UK Chief Medical Officers’ advice last week to proceed, after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation said there were only marginal benefits of vaccinating the cohort.

Children aged 12 to 15 with health conditions that put them at increased risk from Covid, as well as those who live with someone who is immunosuppressed, are eligible for two doses of Pfizer.

Schools seek consent from parents for vaccinating 12-15s. If a child wants the vaccine without parental consent, the child and parent will be invited for a joint discussion with a clinician or healthcare professional, who can make a decision about whether the child is legally competent to make decisions about their healthcare.