As people much smarter than me have said, the issue of vaccinating children against #COVID19 is a tricky one
I urge caution if you think it is straightforward
A quick look at recent developments and decisions from around the world to put this into context
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I urge caution if you think it is straightforward
A quick look at recent developments and decisions from around the world to put this into context
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A quick recap of main considerations:
-Children's risk from #COVID19 is extremely low
-Vaccines are very safe but do have some rare adverse effects
-Vulnerable people in other countries need vaccinating, and supplies are limited
-Younger children are different from teens
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-Children's risk from #COVID19 is extremely low
-Vaccines are very safe but do have some rare adverse effects
-Vulnerable people in other countries need vaccinating, and supplies are limited
-Younger children are different from teens
2/7
First to Germany 🇩🇪
Following EMA approval of Pfizer for 12 - 15yo, their vaccine advisory committee is recommending the jab only for those with existing comorbidities putting them at higher risk
3/7
reuters.com/article/instan…
Following EMA approval of Pfizer for 12 - 15yo, their vaccine advisory committee is recommending the jab only for those with existing comorbidities putting them at higher risk
3/7
reuters.com/article/instan…
Next to Israel 🇮🇱
Their health ministry is recommending the jab only for 12-15yo who are higher risk for severe illness, live with vulnerable family members, or who are travelling over seas
4/7
gov.il/en/departments…
Their health ministry is recommending the jab only for 12-15yo who are higher risk for severe illness, live with vulnerable family members, or who are travelling over seas
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gov.il/en/departments…
Finally the USA 🇺🇸
After issuing EUA for 12-15yo, the FDA seem less certain about this being the correct route for younger children, given their different immunology, lower disease risk, lower transmission risk, and need for more safety data (see 🧵)
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After issuing EUA for 12-15yo, the FDA seem less certain about this being the correct route for younger children, given their different immunology, lower disease risk, lower transmission risk, and need for more safety data (see 🧵)
5/7
https://twitter.com/SarahKarlin/status/1402968265308114950?s=20
Important qus:
-Do benefits of vaccines for kids outweigh potential risks? (prob yes, but more data needed)
-Do we need to vaccinate kids to interrupt transmission? (maybe teens, unlikely younger)
-Can we justify vaccinating kids whilst vulnerable in LMICs waiting? (?)
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-Do benefits of vaccines for kids outweigh potential risks? (prob yes, but more data needed)
-Do we need to vaccinate kids to interrupt transmission? (maybe teens, unlikely younger)
-Can we justify vaccinating kids whilst vulnerable in LMICs waiting? (?)
6/7
These are thorny issues for the JCVI to consider for the short term: risks, benefits, and global equity
Even just for domestic policy, would vaccines be better given to kids, or as seasonal boosters for the vulnerable?
I'm grateful for those leaning into the uncertainty
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Even just for domestic policy, would vaccines be better given to kids, or as seasonal boosters for the vulnerable?
I'm grateful for those leaning into the uncertainty
7/7
It’s also useful to understand that there are 2 different types of decision here (depending on where you live)
- Policy makers deciding on risk balance across populations and prioritisation of resources
- Parents deciding on individual risk balance for their child/children
- Policy makers deciding on risk balance across populations and prioritisation of resources
- Parents deciding on individual risk balance for their child/children
And of course, it is vitally important for teenagers that THEY have a say
I know that work is ongoing through the NIHR Transmission of COVID in Schools study network to get feedback and input from young people themselves on policy decision and implementation
I know that work is ongoing through the NIHR Transmission of COVID in Schools study network to get feedback and input from young people themselves on policy decision and implementation
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