Israeli MK admits new program to vaccinate children against COVID-19 in schools will put children under 'social & emotional pressure' to submit

Israeli Health Ministry Director Professor Nachman Ash yesterday signed a new order permitting the administration of coronavirus vaccines to children on school premises and during school hours, as long as their parents provide written consent.Speaking on Radio 103FM later that day, Knesset Education Committee Chairwoman MK Sharren Haskel said she agreed with the principle of vaccinating children at school during school hours, although she admitted that there was another side to the story.“There are definitely advantages to doing things this way,” she said, “but some of the points raised [by those who oppose the schools-based vaccination program] are worthy of being discussed.”Haskel then clarified: “Even though at the end of the day, the parents of the students will be the ones deciding whether or not to vaccinate, we do need to address the question of whether students should be placed under social and emotional pressure [to consent to vaccination]. We have to weigh the pros and cons here—the health advantages as opposed to the emotional disadvantages.”