Commenting on the rollout of Covid vaccinations to 12 to
15-year-olds, Geoff Barton, General Secretary of the Association
of School and College Leaders, said:
“Schools deserve huge thanks for all they are doing in hosting
coronavirus vaccination sessions for 12 to 15-year-olds
particularly given the speed at which this is all happening and
the intense public focus on this programme. As so often during
the pandemic, they are again dealing with a significant
organisational challenge, and again find themselves in the eye of
a storm, on this occasion because of the strong views held by
some people about this vaccination programme.
“The Chief Medical Officers set out a compelling case for 12 to
15-year-olds to be offered vaccinations in order to reduce
educational disruption after 18 months of turbulence which has
not only damaged the learning of many pupils but has also
affected welfare and mental health. We agree with their
recommendation and believe this programme is in the best
interests of pupils.
“However, those who are opposed to this programme should remember
that it is an offer of a vaccination and that pupils, along with
their parents or carers, can decide whether or not to take up
that offer. We would particularly urge groups or individuals not
to send letters to schools containing legal threats and not to
protest outside schools. The role of schools is limited to
hosting these sessions and dealing with associated
communications, and it is quite wrong to make them the target of
opposition.”
