Dear Parents,

COVID-19 Vaccination

I hope this finds you well in these difficult times.

I am writing to you today regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and will help to keep you and your family safe from this terrible virus. The more people who have the vaccine, the less likely we are to need restrictions in order to protect our NHS.

As you know, the Government has approved vaccinations for young people aged 12-18, initially for a single dose and now for two doses. Millions of children around the world have had their COVID-19 vaccine, and the independent Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has confirmed the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective for children. This ruling came after an extensive review of the safety, quality, and effectiveness of the vaccine in this age group, and the vaccine continues to be closely monitored to make sure it is safe and effective. The vaccine contains no animal products and is therefore halal.

So far, only 28% of young people in Manchester have received a dose of vaccine. This puts us all at risk, but in particular our vulnerable family, friends and neighbours. I am asking you today to make sure that all of your family are vaccinated, including children aged over 12.

You can find more information on the COVID-19 vaccine for young people by clicking the link below, including advice in Urdu, Arabic, Somali and Bengali.

Best wishes,

Afzal Khan MP