Interview on GB News discussing the possibility of vaccines being rolled out to 12 to 15-year-olds.
I was asked my opinion and I feel the whole purpose of the JCVI is to make recommendations and what is the point of them if the Government does not follow this advice.
The JCVI are only looking at the health impact, not the wider impact.
The worst outcome for all is tragic deaths. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen 17 deaths linked to #COVID19 in the age group 0 to 15, with most linked to pre-existing medical conditions. There have been over 144k deaths overall so it is very rare for a child to succumb to the virus.
Those with pre-existing medical conditions have been recommended to have the vaccine.
The latest research on #LongCovid suggests its not as bad as previously thought. Up to 1 in 7 who catch Covid report suffering with some symptoms 3 months later, but this could have been as low as 1 in 50, as those without symptoms may have dropped out of the study.
On education, we saw rates going up last year and we know the vaccine does not stop transmission but does slow it down. It is estimated up to half of children may have already had prior infection and antibodies from that.
If given go ahead it is the personal choice of parents/children. I know parents who want their child to have the vaccine and I know parents opposed to it.
Should the Government go ahead I think it would be better not to go into schools but vaccinate in the community.
Stats Jamie
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