Merseyside parents urged to consider vaccine for teens

Author: Sophie MerrickPublished 20th Sep 2021

Liverpool's Director of Public Health is urging families across Merseyside to seriously consider getting their children vaccinated against Coronavirus.

From this week, thousands of 12-15 year-olds are expected to be invited for a dose of the Pfizer/BioNtech jab, with parental consent.

It's after the UK’s four chief medical officers gave it the go ahead, despite the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation only recommending them for clinically vulnerable children.

Liverpool's Director of Public Health, Matt Ashton said:

"My belief is that we have to take a population health approach to vaccination. So that's everybody getting vaccinated, for the benefit of everybody. But that doesn't mean it's a decision to be taken lightly and I would strongly encourage twelve to fifteen year-olds to have that conversation with their families, thinking about protecting both themselves and others.

"Consent is always sought for these things, so it is up to kids with their parents and their families to make that decision. There isn't 'one size fits all', my advice would always be to speak to the family doctor or a healthcare professional if they're in any doubt."

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