QUEUES formed outside Steam Museum over the weekend as the push to ensure Swindon teenagers are protected against Covid-19 continues.

Now most adults in the country have had both jabs, health authorities are shifting their focus to getting teenagers vaccinated ahead of the next school term.

The vaccination centre inside the Steam’s Great Hall held walk-in clinics especially for those aged 16 and 17 who needed their first dose or a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.

The initiative proved popular and created long but fast-moving queues outside the historic Swindon site.

More walk-in clinics will be held at the museum this week, with no need to book in advance, on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8.30am to 12.30pm and from 1pm to 4pm.

The second vaccine dose is required from at least eight weeks after receiving the first.

The government is mulling the best way to give schoolchildren the coronavirus vaccine.

Reports suggest the NHS in England has now drawn up plans to start jabbing 12 to 15 year olds from as early as the first week of term in September, according to the Telegraph, although the Department of Health said no such decision had been taken and the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has yet to advise on broadening the rollout.

Education secretary Gavin Williamson reassured people parental consent would always be asked before children that age receive a vaccine.

The story created a debate among parents who commented on the Adver's Facebook page.

Les Chris-Ford said: “I’m letting my son decide if he wants it or not is up to him. I will be there to support whatever he decides.”

Keleigh Price said: “My daughter can have it if she’d like but I would still like to know beforehand. She’s not a fan of surprise needles.”

Samantha Backway said: “Both my daughters have said they will have it. Their choice.”

Elizabeth Grainey said: “Our 14-year-old daughter really wants it and I am more than happy for her to have it.”

Kylie Amanda: “I will pull her out of school before letting her have it.”

Ally Lock said: “No way would my kids have an experimental jab, I’d never forgive myself if it turns out kids have heart problems.”

Niki Bartozewska said: “My children are both in this age bracket, we have discussed it and they would both choose to have the vaccine which I am glad about, if or when it becomes available to them. 

“I work in a school and have seen how quickly and efficiently vaccines can be given to a large number of pupils so am also in favour of it being given in school.”

Marie Seagrave said: “I personally think people should not judge other people’s decision, this is down to personal choice and and decision made on what’s right for each child.

“You should not be made to feel bad if you opt to have your child vaccinated with their consent, that’s their human right and if people don’t want to get the child vaccinated, that’s also their human right.”