I’M disappointed to learn of a survey showing that, even when a proven vaccine against Covid-19 is available, over 20 per cent of adults are likely to refuse it.

Unless there’s some good medical reason for refusal, it’s the public duty of every adult to accept vaccination against this horrendous virus, which has taken almost 50,000 lives across the UK and threatens to ruin our economy and way of life.

Any fit adult who rejects vaccination is betraying family, friends, neighbours, workmates, the NHS and the country.

Such individuals are cowards, content to hide behind those who contribute to herd immunity by getting themselves vaccinated. If we all took their attitude, deaths would increase tenfold and there would be no return to normality.

If they can’t be altruistic, these refuseniks should think selfishly because, even after mass vaccination, if the immunity rate drops below 60 per cent, a possibly fatal dose of Covid-19 could be the unfortunate reward for the intransigence of such unprotected individuals.

Steve Kay, Cabinet Member: Health, Housing and Welfare, Redcar & Cleveland Council.