Some children could struggle to prove their Covid status in time for the school break as those seeking to provide proof of immunity to the virus from a previous infection will only be able to do so through the NHS if their infection was confirmed via an NHS PCR test, and not from a lateral flow test.
The concern comes despite the government pledging to extend the NHS Covid Pass to youngsters aged 12 to 15 next month. Mann, director of Bradford’s Idle Travel, said his agency had taken "a fair amount" of bookings for the February half-term, "but the issue is going to be children aged over 12 and the vaccination".
"The February half term will be a bit more temperamental because of vaccinations," Mann told TTG. "We are asking all customers what their vaccination status is, and telling them that we feel [the definition of] a fully vaccinated person will most likely soon include the booster too, so that’s what they have got to be ready for.
"With February, we have already had people move their bookings and swap destinations because of the age of their children. People are just a little bit weary."
Mann said the agency’s bookings for the Easter holidays were "looking better", adding that people – particularly families – were realising that if they want to travel abroad, their children are going to have to be vaccinated.
One concern for Mann remains Spain, which has taken a strict line on child vaccination, requiring all youngsters aged 12 and above to be fully vaccinated. However, Mann added the rules could yet change.
"I think it’ll be a lot more clearer coming into Easter," he said, "Spain may have changed their rules by then. But we try to make people fully aware of things we can see so they can make that decision on what they want to do.
"Hopefully it [Easter] will be better than half-term, but half-term will be hindered by the vaccination for children."
