Children and the Covid vaccination

gixer1

Well-Known Member
Just wondering what the opinions are on the covid vaccine in children? One of my kids has received his vaccine appointment and we are undecided on this. He is at relatively low risk from covid however he obviously has contact with people who may be higher risk.

Myself and my wife are pro-vaccine and have both been vaccinated however the concerns over fertility issues relating to the covid jab is something that concerns me in younger people who haven’t obviously had children.

He, himself wants to get the vaccine, but I just want to make sure the risk is worth the reward.

Regards,
Gixer
 
From the WHO I believe -

Vaccines are usually tested in adults first, and only later assessed in children when safety has been proven in adults, because children are still developing and growing. COVID-19 has also been a more serious and dangerous disease among older people. Now that the vaccines have been determined to be safe for adults, they are being studied in children.

WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) has concluded that the Pfizer/BionTech vaccine is suitable for use by people aged 12 years and above. Children aged between 12 and 15 who are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 may be offered this vaccine alongside other priority groups for vaccination. Vaccine trials for children are ongoing and WHO will update its recommendations when the evidence or epidemiological situation justifies a change in policy.

While the supply of vaccines is limited, the ongoing priority is to vaccinate those most at risk of serious illness who still have not been vaccinated in many parts of the world: older people, those with chronic health conditions, and health workers.

Most children are at low risk of serious disease and vaccinating them is primarily about reducing transmission, which can also be achieved through public health measures, including: physically distancing from others, cleaning hands frequently, sneezing and coughing into their elbow, wearing a mask if age appropriate and avoiding crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.
 
I guess the other concern is why not 11 year olds? Why is 12 the cut off as my son is just 12…and the fact it says it’s more about transmission concerns me.
 
I had a call from my brother this morning, saying my 14y nephew has caught it whilst at school, and is really feeling unwell.

Fingers crossed, "long Covid" won't be an issue, time will tell.

Sadly, at the moment, we have no idea which is the lesser of two evils, the vaccine, or the virus, but personally, I'd trust the vaccine more, because we do know the effects that can be suffered.
 
If the scientific and medical advice is to have the child vaccinated, then I suggest you get it done.
I wouldn't try to second guess the people who have the evidence, and the knowledge and experience to assess the evidence and make reasoned judgements.
Thus far they seem to be getting it right


Cheers

Bruce
This is from the jvci.

The assessment by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is that the health benefits from vaccination are marginally greater than the potential known harms. However, the margin of benefit is considered too small to support universal vaccination of healthy 12 to 15 year olds at this time.

The scientific and medical advice is not to universally vaccinate healthy children , why the goverment has gone against this advice but followed all other advice from the jvci is bizzare!

My son wont be getting the vaccine as he is a fit healthy football and rugby player and medical advice is not to universally vaccinate fit healthy kids.
 
I guess the other concern is why not 11 year olds? Why is 12 the cut off as my son is just 12…and the fact it says it’s more about transmission concerns me.
After taking my boy down to a local drop in center the other night, I actually asked that question to the nurse giving the jab.
She seemed to think it was simply down to the jab being offered to Secondary school kids.
For whatever reason.
 
This is from the jvci.

The assessment by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is that the health benefits from vaccination are marginally greater than the potential known harms. However, the margin of benefit is considered too small to support universal vaccination of healthy 12 to 15 year olds at this time.

The scientific and medical advice is not to universally vaccinate healthy children , why the goverment has gone against this advice but followed all other advice from the jvci is bizzare!

My son wont be getting the vaccine as he is a fit healthy football and rugby player and medical advice is not to universally vaccinate fit healthy kids.
This is the sort of thing that concerns me, I really am not sure either way.
 
Vaccination isn't being offered to primary school children (11-yrs old), only to secondary school pupils.
Most in this age group are considered competent enough to give consent, even if the parent withholds consent.
This is the guidance to schools, and the background.
You could just let your child make the final decision, I would.



 
Vaccination isn't being offered to primary school children (11-yrs old), only to secondary school pupils.
Most in this age group are considered competent enough to give consent, even if the parent withholds consent.
This is the guidance to schools, and the background.
You could just let your child make the final decision, I would.



With all due respect - I wouldn’t let my child make a decision that could (even though a small chance) change their lives….Plenty of children will make the decision based on tik tok videos! 😂
 
Vaccination isn't being offered to primary school children (11-yrs old), only to secondary school pupils.
Most in this age group are considered competent enough to give consent, even if the parent withholds consent.
This is the guidance to schools, and the background.
You could just let your child make the final decision, I would.



I would never ask my child to make a decision on this as there are so many conflicting views, as an adult i will make the decision and take the responsibility off a child.
Kids suffer immense peer pressure and a child saying i want it may not be for the right reasons, where as im an adult, wont bow to peer pressure and will make a decision based on all the evidence.
That is what parents are supposed to do.
 
I would never ask my child to make a decision on this as there are so many conflicting views, as an adult i will make the decision and take the responsibility off a child.
Kids suffer immense peer pressure and a child saying i want it may not be for the right reasons, where as im an adult, wont bow to peer pressure and will make a decision based on all the evidence.
That is what parents are supposed to do.
When you've got time, read the links, particularly the first one.
This says the vaccination offer is addressed to the pupil, most of whom are old enough to decide for themselves either way.
Just repeating the official advice. . . :)
 
When you've got time, read the links, particularly the first one.
This says the vaccination offer is addressed to the pupil, most of whom are old enough to decide for themselves either way.
Just repeating the official advice. . . :)
Actually that’s not correct…it’s to the parent and or young person…

9634D249-ED37-44A8-98DC-A503FA03A4D9.webp
 

How does the consent process work?​

All parents or those with parental responsibility are asked for consent and will usually make this decision, jointly with their children.
The information leaflet is addressed to the child (as the recipient of the vaccine) and encourages them to discuss the decision about the vaccine with their parents.
In secondary schools, some older children may be sufficiently mature to provide their own consent. This sometimes occurs if a parent has not returned a consent form but the child still wishes to have the vaccine on the day of the session. Every effort will be made to contact the parent to seek their verbal consent. The school has no role in this process.
This is a well established process which is used in other school-based vaccination programmes.

Just quoting from the website and official advice, that's all. . .:)
 
When you've got time, read the links, particularly the first one.
This says the vaccination offer is addressed to the pupil, most of whom are old enough to decide for themselves either way.
Just repeating the official advice. . . :)
I will be very surprised if any nurse will stick a needle in a 12/13 year olds arm with out consent from parents (gillick competence or not) .
There is a reason why kids have to reach a certain age before they are deemed mature enough to make important decisions in their lives.
 

How does the consent process work?​

All parents or those with parental responsibility are asked for consent and will usually make this decision, jointly with their children.
The information leaflet is addressed to the child (as the recipient of the vaccine) and encourages them to discuss the decision about the vaccine with their parents.
In secondary schools, some older children may be sufficiently mature to provide their own consent. This sometimes occurs if a parent has not returned a consent form but the child still wishes to have the vaccine on the day of the session. Every effort will be made to contact the parent to seek their verbal consent. The school has no role in this process.
This is a well established process which is used in other school-based vaccination programmes.

Just quoting from the website and official advice, that's all. . .:)
Yup, but I was just posting a photograph of the actual letter they sent…which appears to address the parent first.

Either way I think the Scottish government have a history of trying to influence younger people.

Regards,
Gixer
 
Back
Top