Parents need more information on jab

Viewpoint

Koulla Yiasouma

March 25 2022 11:00 AM

When it comes to the wellbeing of children in Northern Ireland, their education, health and how they are supported through all stages of their life, there can’t be many around who match the passion of Northern Ireland’s Commissioner for Children and Younger People.

Koulla Yiasouma has been moved to tears when talking about the challenges children have faced over the past two years. She speaks with the passion of a mother who will try to move heaven and earth and with the determination of one who wants better for every child.

A day after it was revealed that less than 2% of 5-11-year-olds have been vaccinated, she has raised concerns as to why.

Some primary schools, she believes, are too scared to promote the vaccination programme. That’s despite the public health advice, and pleas from Sir Michael McBride and Health Minister Robin Swann.

Those who gathered in protest at secondary schools as the vaccination programme was extended to the younger generation are being allowed to win the battle. It’s ironic that in standing up for their own rights to choose not to have the vaccination, they are denying the rights of everyone else to have that same choice.

What it all comes down to is information.

Those opposed to the vaccination have taken to the streets, targeted schools in recent months with protests.

Some schools have had to call police as their students, sometimes teachers, have been harassed.

Set against that are the mixed messages on the benefits of children receiving the vaccination which have left parents confused.

And with primary schools reluctant to attract attention by encouraging uptake amongst pupils, coupled with Covid fatigue after two years of the pandemic and added to by the relaxation of restrictions across Northern Ireland, an apathy has set in. Put all that together and it's an unhealthy situation.

Rather than bemoan the fact that the uptake amongst the youngest members of society has been so poor, perhaps those with the public health interest at heart should now make all their evidence available for concerned parents to make their own decisions.

It’s not right for a school to decide one way or another.

A well informed parent is a better parent. And being afforded the ability to make an informed choice is better than taking a shot in the dark.

It’s also better than not taking a shot at all.