An NHS boss has alerted parents over hoax coronavirus vaccine consent letters spreading misinformation.

Some head teachers have reportedly been sent letters with a fake NHS logo that include a “consent checklist” for vaccination – which they are asked to share with students.

It comes as three million 12 to 15 year-olds in the UK are now eligible for their first jab after the vaccine roll-out was extended on 20 September.

The programme is expected to be delivered mainly in schools.

Just to confirm that this is not a legitimate NHS form.

A parent posted a picture of one of the fake consent 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.”

The UK Health Security Agency also said this month it was aware some schools had received campaign letters and emails with misinformation about the vaccine programme.

COVID-19 bereaved families group hopes PM will ‘take us seriously’ at meeting

COVID-19: Younger children ‘more hesitant than older teenagers to get jabbed’ as researchers call for better vaccine messaging

COVID-19: UK records another 37,960 coronavirus cases and 40 related deaths

The education secretary said on Monday that vaccination remained a personal choice but criticised people who had threatened and abused school staff.

Nadhim Zahawi wrote in the Daily Telegraph: “As Education Secretary, I want teachers and students to know that I will always stand up for them and tackle harassment head on, so teachers can do their vital jobs safely and children can get the education they deserve – regardless of choices made over vaccination.”

Official guidance suggests teachers who believe protests could be held outside their school over the vaccination programme should contact police to help manage the situation.

Related posts:

Met Police ‘acted appropriately’ at Sarah Everard vigil, review finds Pandemic ‘just beginning’ for overstretched community nurses as patient numbers rise Manchester United fans stage anti-Glazer protest after getting inside Old Trafford Two people arrested after ‘trespassing’ at Prince Andrew’s Windsor home Thousands of doctors planning to leave the NHS citing pandemic stress and burnout Man Utd say fans broke barriers and climbed gates to storm pitch – and deny staff allowed access Winds could reach 65mph as forecasters warn of travel disruption UK records 111 more COVID deaths and 33,904 new infections Deaths of police officer and three-year-old son being treated as suspected murder-suicide Top scientist says ministers should have improved PCR COVID testing system rather than ‘abandoning it’ Four people rescued by emergency services after getting stuck in a cave in Kent Police officer seriously injured after collision on M25 with motorbike being ‘driven the wrong way’