STANDARD readers have said they will NOT be letting their child receive the Covid-19 vaccination following its approval for those aged between 12 and 15.

It comes after a poll launched by the Standard saw 61 per cent of more than 1,000 readers say they would object to their child being jabbed.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed children aged 12 to 15 in England are to be offered their first dose of the vaccine after Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty approved its use for the age group.

The move follows the chief medical officers of the four UK nations advising younger teenagers should be offered the Pfizer/BioNTech jab.

The decision takes into account the “extremely powerful” evidence on the impact of the pandemic on children’s education, as well as the risks to their mental health from missing school.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the NHS in England would now begin rolling out the vaccine with the same urgency which has characterised the rest of the programme.

Jean Quinn, from the North East Essex division of the National Education Union, said it was a “difficult” decision to gauge.

“It won’t fully stop the spread but it will help to slow it and will hopefully keep more people out of hospital,” she said.

“Children’s education has been heavily disrupted and we all know the negative sides of that. They’ve suffered not just in their education but mentally too.

“If what Chris Whitty says is true, that the benefits outweigh the disadvantages, then let’s go for it. We need the children to be protected both in their health and in their education.”

For Standard reader Ed Loach, however, it is ultimately the child’s choice.

“If it were my choice then of course, but ultimately in most cases it is the child’s choice, not the parents,” he said.

“If the child and parent have different views, the child can give consent themselves if they are considered competent.

Kerri Melissa said she will be making the decision herself, adding: “No way, my son’s on meds [sic] for ADHD and there’s not enough research done.

“No kids are dropping like flies with Covid and the vaccine doesn’t stop the spread. Just keep testing in my eyes.”

Glenn Owen and Amanda Speller also said they wouldn’t let their child have the jab.

Charlotte Richards, however, said: “At 15 my daughter is old enough to make her own decision whether she wants it or not.”

Sarah Wood said her 15-year-old wants it while Jenny Pickess said it’s the “sensible” thing to do.