Commenting as the JCVI publish a statement on COVID-19 vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11 and booster vaccinations in those aged 12 to 17, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“NAHT has always said that the decision on whether or not to offer vaccinations for children is one for medical experts to take and that remains the case.

“We know that there are many families with medically vulnerable children who have been waiting for this decision and so they will be pleased that there is now a sense of clarity.

“Of course, vaccination for children, and particular younger children, will always be a choice for parents to make.”