An NHS England medical director has issued a warning about hoax Covid vaccine letters being sent to schools to distribute to parents.
Students aged 12-15 across the UK are now eligible to receive a first jab as part of a programme which is expected to be delivered primarily within schools.
But some headteachers have reportedly been targeted by letters that include a “consent checklist”, under a fake NHS logo, which they are asked to share with students.
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The form contains a long list of claims about the vaccine, including adverse affects.
After a parent shared one of these “checklists” on Twitter, NHS England medical director for Covid immunisation Dr Jonathan Leach replied: “Just to confirm that this is not a legitimate NHS form.”
Just to confirm that this is not a legitimate NHS form.
- Dr Jonathan Leach (@jonathanleach13) September 27, 2021
Headteachers and teachers also shared the form on Twitter, warning peers that it was “fake”.
Warning to school leaders. Fake email sent out to schools with a supposed additional consent form with mocked up NHS logo. Asked to issue to parents.
It is fake. Please check carefully.
Please RT. pic.twitter.com/qQ2DENcdYf
- David Phillips (@al_ackof) September 27, 2021
Wow…another school appears to have actually sent this out @educationgovuk really does need to get on the case urgently. pic.twitter.com/wxsVagmDIi
- Becky Wood (@shadylady222) September 27, 2021
Earlier in September, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said it was aware that some schools have been receiving campaign letters and emails with “misinformation” about the vaccine programme.
Education secretary Nadhim Zahawi, on Monday, noted that vaccination was not mandatory and remained a personal choice, but was critical of those who have abused and threatened school staff.
Official guidance suggests that headteachers who believe protests could be held outside their school over participation in the Covid vaccination programme should contact police to help manage the situation.
However, as Tes revealed last week, some schools have been given advice that appears to contradict this.
