Only 7% of 5-11s in England have had Covid jab as parents hesitate

Six weeks after start of vaccine rollout, fraction of young children have had first dose as parents question usefulness

Only 7% of primary schoolchildren in England have received a first dose of Covid vaccine six weeks after it was rolled out to all 5- to 11-year-olds, as parents grapple with the decision about whether to take up the offer.

That rate compares with 24% of 12- to 15-year-olds who had received a first dose in the first six weeks after they became eligible in September 2021.