Should children get a coronavirus vaccine?
We've been speaking to parents
Last updated 24th May 2022
Should children be vaccinated against coronavirus? That's the big question many parents are asking now all adults are being offered the jab.
Earlier this month the Pfizer vaccine was approved for use for 12 to 15-year-olds in the UK.
However there are currently no plans within government to extend the rollout to under 18's.
What do parents think of vaccinating children?
We spoke to some parents in the West Midlands and heard how the decision to vaccinate younger people against coronavirus is a "balancing act".
Here's some of the comments:
"I've been vaccinated myself, but I wouldn't want my children to have the vaccine".
"I think it's important, and it's the only way we're going to get back to normality".
"I breast-fed my child after I had my vaccine, so I wouldn't mind if they had it too".
"I think it should be up to the child when they're older to decide if they want it or not".
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is set to advise soon whether routine vaccination should be offered to those aged 12 to 17.
Their current advice is that those aged 16-18 should be offered vaccination if they are in a priority Phase 1 group or they are the household contacts of someone who is immunosuppressed.
Vaccinating children could help protect other people
Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick says vaccinating children could help protect other people:
"I don't think children need to be vaccinated in the same way as adults, to protect from serious disease.
"But if you do vaccinate them, you'll reduce infections across society, protecting more adults, and those in the 'at risk' groups".
The Prime Minister's spokesperson said last week;
"The advice would come from the JCVI in the first instance, they haven't made any comments on that at this stage.
"We await a recommendation from the JCVI following the MHRA's decision. We constantly followed the JCVI advice on prioritisation so we await that recommendation."