Brazil’s federal authorities needs to halt COVID-19 vaccinations for many adolescents, citing a loss of life below investigation and opposed occasions after some 3.5 million teenagers have already been immunized, however a number of state governments vowed to press on.
At a information convention, Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga criticized states and cities for leaping the gun by vaccinating 12- to 17-year-olds with out well being points that put them liable to extreme COVID-19, which he stated was solely supposed to begin on Wednesday.
Queiroga stated wholesome adolescents who’ve already taken one shot shouldn’t take a second – successfully searching for to halt nationwide immunizations for youngsters. In a press release, federal well being regulator Anvisa stated there was “no evidence to support or demand changes” to its approval for kids from 12 to 17 to be vaccinated with Pfizer photographs.
Queiroga didn’t specify a purpose for requesting a halt, however stated there have been 1,545 opposed occasions registered, with 93% of them in individuals who obtained COVID-19 photographs aside from the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine – the one one authorized for minors in Brazil.
He additionally stated there had been one loss of life registered, within the metropolis of São Bernardo do Campo simply outdoors the São Paulo state capital.
Anvisa in its assertion stated it was wanting into the loss of life of a 16-year-old who obtained a primary dose earlier this month. “At present, there is no definite causal relationship between this case and the administration of the vaccine,” it stated.
Sao Paulo state, the nation’s most populous, stated it has already vaccinated practically 2.5 million individuals below 18 years previous.
Governor Joao Doria stated on social media that Sao Paulo wouldn’t cease vaccinating adolescents. Queiroga stated proof concerning the efficacy of vaccines for wholesome youngsters was not but sure, though medical trial knowledge has proven them to be efficient in stopping sickness.
The United States, Israel and a few European international locations have rolled out vaccinations to kids. On Monday, England determined that every one 12- to 15-year-olds will likely be supplied a shot after senior medical advisers stated children would profit from diminished disruption to their schooling.
It stays to be seen if Queiroga’s feedback will carry a lot weight. According to Carlos Lula, the president of the affiliation of state well being secretaries, nearly all of states don’t plan to halt vaccinations for this age group.
