[quote BustopherPonsonbyJones]@tigger1001
And as it's teenagers we are talking about here, I think it's important to take their feelings into account. My son and I spoke at length about it and he is happy to do the tests and understands the implications. But if he was adamant he didn't want to do them, then I certainly wouldn't force him. The thought of withholding education to a teenager for not consenting to a medical test, which isn't all that accurate in the first place just doesn't bear thinking about.
I disagree, I’m afraid. Yes, he is entitled to make his own decision (and I’m glad he’s having the tests) but as a member of society, he and any other teenager has to understand their actions have wider consequences and they have responsibilities. I suspect those who are over 18 and unvaccinated will be unwelcome in some countries when they chose to go on holiday. It is their decision not to have a vaccine but they can’t be shocked if they are unwanted.
Your later post about vaccines for teachers also made me laugh. We can’t expect poor teenagers to wear masks and take Covid tests but we shouldn’t be a priority for a vaccine. This kind of attitude is exactly why teachers should have been vaccinated earlier because schools are never, ever going to be Covid safe and it is only fair that those who work in these unsafe places are given some support.[/quote]
But if you don't have a medical reason as to why you are a priority, why should you expect one before, say a retail worker? Or any other occupation dealing with lots of people face to face? I'm not saying teachers shouldn't get a vaccine - and any who are in the current priority groups will get one as part of that, but just pointing out teachers aren't the only ones dealing with people face to face.
I agree with the governments view - let's get the most people vaccinated with the least amount of administrative burden while ensuring the groups most likely to be hospitalised or die get priority. There was a lot of talk initially that it would take at least 2 years to roll out the vaccination programme, thankfully that's not the case and we are talking months. If the government guidelines stay as they are, then all adults will have been offered the first dose, with many having had their second dose by the start of the next academic year.
Interestingly my sons observation of his teachers is that little in the way of social distancing goes on from the adults in his school. And not all compliant wearing face coverings in corridors etc either. And this has been the case since January when few teachers and children were in school, so no real excuse due to space etc. Yes, it's anecdotal and no it's not an indication that it's like that in every school, but he was getting a little bit fed up of being barked at every time he stood up to remember to social distance, despite there were 5 kids in the room and he was going to the toilet on his own so very much socially distant to then walk past the staff room and see teachers sit in groups, close together with no face masks in sight.
Now that the vaccine programme is moving on quickly, something I've noticed is that there is judgement as to why someone has been vaccinated. If you mention that you have had the vaccine or have an appointment, there is often a "why are you getting it?" The implication is very much why are you getting it before me? Rather than being happy that more and more people are getting vaccinated, which hopefully in itself means we are all at lesser risk.