VACCINE consent forms are being sent to Cumbria's schools as part of a drive for jabs for 12 to 15-year-olds.

Consent forms asking for permission from parents, guardians or carers for children aged 12-15 to be vaccinated against COVID-19 are set to be circulated to all secondary schools in Cumbria from today.

The move comes after the government accepted advice from the UK’s four Chief Medical Officers to roll out the vaccine to healthy school-age children. 12-15 year old's with pre-existing conditions have already been able to have the vaccine.

Children will primarily receive their COVID-19 vaccination in their school with alternative provision for those who are home schooled, in secure services or specialist mental health settings.

COVID-19 vaccines will not be given to any child without the proper consent being in place and consent will be sought in line with existing school vaccination programmes.

Children set to turn 12 in the next academic year will be eligible for the vaccine only after their 12th birthday but will be contacted nearer the time.

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said: “Gaining the necessary consent is just the first step of the vaccine rollout for this age group and more details will be provided to both schools and parents about when vaccinations will begin.

“I understand some parents will be reluctant to have their children vaccinated at this stage but the JCVI and the Chief Medical Officers have examined the evidence carefully – just as they would with any other vaccine – and concluded it’s the right thing to do to keep infection rates down and avoid as much disruption to children’s education as we come into winter.

“I urge all parents with children in this age group to return their signed consent forms as soon as possible so the NHS and other trained professionals who have been working on our vaccination programme to date, can vaccinate as many of this cohort in schools as quickly as they can.”

Mr Cox is set to host a Q&A on Facebook Live this week to discuss the government’s announcement that 12-15 year olds are to be offered the COVID-19 vaccine.

The event will be hosted on Facebook Live through Cumbria County Council’s Facebook Page tonight from 7pm until 8pm and is an opportunity for people to hear what the latest vaccine announcement means and ask any questions they may have.