17th September 2021

Dear Parent/Carer

Covid-19 Vaccinations

You may be aware that the government has, this week, decided to offer the Covid-19 vaccine to all children aged 12-15 in England this autumn. The vaccination programme will be administered and run by healthcare staff from the School Age Immunisation Service (SAIS), who will be legally responsible for the delivery of the vaccine. You can read the government’s full guidance on the vaccination programme here.

I received confirmation this morning that the Hertfordshire and East Anglia School Age Vaccination Service will carry out vaccinations at Ely College on 1st October 2021.

We will play a very limited role in supporting the programme. We have been asked to perform the following tasks:
• Share the information letter and consent form supplied by the SAIS team with parents and children;
• Inform parents, via our website and school communications, of the session date at college;
• Provide the space within the college, and the time away from the timetable, to enable vaccinations to take place.

I am aware that vaccination and issues of consent are a matter that some people hold strong views about. I wish to make it clear to all parents and carers that no school staff or members of the Academy Council will be drawn into discussion or correspondence around this matter.

I have instructed staff to offer no advice or comment on this matter to either students or families. The only information we will share will be official information provided by SAIS or the government, or details regarding the process such as the consent forms, reminders and invitation letters.

Please find attached the Parental Information letter. The online link for consent is contained within that attached letter and the window for consent will close at midday on 30th September 2021.

Yours faithfully

Simon Warburton
Principal
Enc