UK teens can override parents on vaccination consent – do you agree?

"Children can consent themselves if they are competent"

Ireland's vaccine programme is one of the most successful in the world, but there are still a lot of people who have decided against the vaccine. Many parents will not let their children get vaccinated, but in England, they don't have the authority to do so. Teens in England can override parents on vaccination consent, according to their Schools Minister. Schools Minister Nick Gibb said children in certain circumstances can make their own decision about the vaccine. He explained that in rare situations, they do not need their parents' consent. “The consent from parents will always be sought before the child is vaccinated in the school," he stressed. “In some circumstances, and it is rare, children can consent themselves if they are competent to do so. The people administering vaccines in schools are aware of these sensitive issues," he explained. The Minister added: “What would happen in those circumstances, is that there will be discussions between the school and the parent in resolving those issues.” He explained that something called Gillick competence allows youths under 16 to consent to their own treatment if they know what is involved and have a strong understanding and knowledge about it. Vaccination has yet to be approved for 12-15-year-olds in England. In Ireland, vaccination is available to children aged between 12 and 18. It is believed there were over 200,000 youths vaccinated before schools re-opened last month. The HSE has urged school children to get vaccinated. It is understood that pupils who are fully vaccinated and have no symptoms won't miss any time in school or need to isolate if they're deemed a close contact of a Covid case. Under 18s do need parents' or their guardian's consent if they wish to be vaccinated. But should we introduce something similar to England? Do you think teenagers, especially those in their senior years of secondary school are old and mature enough to make this decision themselves? If they're expected to decide what career they want then surely they should be entitled to some say in their medical care, right? What do you think?