Vaccination of children aged 12-15 against Covid-19 is still under consideration by the National Vaccination Committee, its head, Professor Maria Theodoridou, said on Monday.
Last week European agency on Medicines, EMA has approved the use of the drug in Europe for children. According to their findings, the vaccine Pfizer is safe for the age group from 12 to 15 years old.
She clarified that the final decision of the committee may not apply to all children, but only from the high-risk group. The professor added that vaccination is not compulsory, but requires parental consent.
Citing medical research, she noted that childhood vaccinations in the United States and Canada are 100% effective, as none of the thousands of children vaccinated there have yet shown signs of infection.
She noted that vaccination of children prevents the spread of coronavirus among adults and is the main incentive for making the final decision in favor of vaccination.
The Greek authorities have confirmed that decisions will be made before the start of the new school year in September.
Last week European agency on Medicines, EMA has approved the use of the drug in Europe for children. According to their findings, the vaccine Pfizer is safe for the age group from 12 to 15 years old.
It took several weeks to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. We used observation data on 2 thousand children aged 12-15 years who did not have any signs of infection at the time of vaccination. The decision to start vaccination of adolescents will be taken independently by each European state.
Pfizer’s vaccine for children is the same as for adults – two injections spaced 3 weeks apart. Studies show that the immune response in adolescents, that is, the level of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, is similar to that obtained in the 16-25 age group.
Potential side effects in children are no different from those seen after vaccinations in people aged 16+. It can be mild soreness at the injection site, chills, headache, fatigue, fever. After a few hours or days, they pass without a trace.
It took several weeks to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the vaccine. We used observation data on 2 thousand children aged 12-15 years who did not have any signs of infection at the time of vaccination. The decision to start vaccination of adolescents will be taken independently by each European state.
Pfizer’s vaccine for children is the same as for adults – two injections spaced 3 weeks apart. Studies show that the immune response in adolescents, that is, the level of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, is similar to that obtained in the 16-25 age group.
Potential side effects in children are no different from those seen after vaccinations in people aged 16+. It can be mild soreness at the injection site, chills, headache, fatigue, fever. After a few hours or days, they pass without a trace.
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