As the Covid-19 vaccine is now available for children aged 12 or more (or from five if the child is high risk), disagreements are arising between parents, particularly those who are separated.<\/p>\n
Should your children receive the vaccination? This decision needs to be made jointly by anyone with parental responsibility and their consent provided before the jab can be administered.<\/p>\n
The issue of vaccinating children is not a new one, but it has, of course, come to the fore recently, given the ever-changing regulations around Covid-19.<\/p>\n
In the first instance, parents, or those with parental responsibility, are encouraged to discuss their feelings with one another and try to come to an agreement. It may be worthwhile seeking information or involvement from your GP to help reach a consensus, as this is the cheapest and quickest way to resolve the matter. It will also ensure reasons for opposing the vaccine are not based on a lack of understanding.<\/p>\n
If an agreement cannot be reached, or you are unable to discuss matters in a civilised manner, mediation is an option. It gives you a forum in which to tackle your differences in a safe and structured way with an independent third party.<\/p>\n
Whilst there is no case law available at the moment, the issue did arise in a 2020 family court matter in which a father made a successful application for other vaccines for his child. As part of these proceedings, he asked the court to also order the Covid vaccination to be given. This was prior to its approval for use in children, but the father was attempting to pre-empt the issue.<\/p>\n