Chris

That’s not *quite* the issue.

There’s a slight difference in the application of medical ethics at play here that is obfuscated every time a journalist lazily states that the UK “lags” is “late” or has “fallen behind” with vaccination in under 18s.

The benefits of the vaccine to the individual are marginal in that age group. At present, data indicates that double vaccination elevates risk above reward, although the main side effect (myocarditis) is still very rare. The benefits are mainly to the population at large, in eliminating wells of infection and sources of potential virus mutation.

So yes, the UK’s overall vaccination rate is now lower than some European countries but there are sound reasons why that’s the case. Giving the reason as “late” is a disservice to the vitally important practice of medical ethics. The UK’s decision is well-considered, balanced and justified with regards to the needs of the individual - individuals who are still children in this case.