Hi readers, it’s Emily and William here talking about the vaccines.

At the time of writing this they are being released tomorrow.

We are happy there is now a vaccine and it’s come so quickly. Well done to the scientists, and to the government for funding it!

We hope that people who are eligible to have them will, because it will keep people much safer. I, Emily, have been told we will be able to have them at work because I work in a care home. I think this is good as it will protect our residents and also my family.

You may have read that Public Health England recently reported that people with learning disabilities were six times more likely to die from Covid in the first wave of the pandemic than other people.

Because of this, the government have been asked to ensure that people with learning disabilities are a high priority for the vaccine. We both agree because people with learning disabilities often have other health problems, so it’s important. We hope that by the time this goes to print that we will have a better idea if this will happen.

We also both think that if people want to mix more with others, like at public events, then perhaps they must prove they have had the vaccine, as that will keep everyone safer.

We agree the vaccine should not be compulsory but we do think that people who don’t have it may be not able to attend events where people are close to each other.

Writing this has got us thinking about what happens if you really don’t like injections or are scared of needles, if there are other ways people could have the vaccine? That would be good.

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from staff