Dragged into the vaccine labyrinth, children and adolescents who have gotten the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine have been given a temporary way out by the World Health Organization (WHO).
With no evidence to prove they are at risk from COVID-19, the youngsters will not be administered booster doses like their elders, according to WHO chief scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan.
In a news briefing on January 19, Swaminathan noted that while there appears to be a drop in children's vaccine immunity against the deadly delta and the highly contagious omicron variants after six months, nothing is conclusive yet.
"There is no evidence right now that healthy children or healthy adolescents need boosters. No evidence at all," she said, citing the need for deeper research to determine whether the first and second jabs are enough to shield them from COVID.
Swaminathan's announcement was a huge relief not only for the teenagers but their parents, the majority of whom already have reservations about allowing their children to be vaccinated. (Related: Now it's covid booster shots for teenagers (then children, then babies, etc.))
Health agencies shift focus to younger generation
After a big portion of the adult population has been vaccinated worldwide, the WHO and other lead agencies dedicated to curbing the spread of COVID-19 have shifted their focus to the younger generation composed of children and teenagers.
According to Swaminathan, the WHO think tank group would meet before the month ends to deliberate on whether or not to give boosters to their citizens.
"The aim is to protect the most vulnerable, to protect those at highest risk of severe disease and death. Those are our elderly populations, immuno-compromised people with underlying conditions, but also healthcare workers," she said.
Toward this end, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is urging adults and youngsters, especially those with comorbidities, to avail of the vaccine and booster shots.
Already, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized booster shots for children 12 years old and older. Additionally, a third dose is recommended for kids aged 5 to 11 with medical conditions or using medications that tend to weaken the immune system.
Children who have been infected should be fully recovered before they get injected with the vaccine. Even if they don't, however, natural immunity usually follows infection with the virus. While the vaccination drive is in high gear, anti-vaccine groups are also working hard to stall or overturn the vaccine mandates for children that vary in each state.
Countries respond to omicron-triggered COVID-19 surge
The same thing is happening all over the world as countries respond to the upsurge due to omicron based on local transmissions and conditions.
Reuters has compiled a list of countries that have allowed or agreed to vaccinate children.
Leading the way in Europe are Italy, the Czech Republic, Israel, Germany, Estonia, Denmark, Greece, Ireland, Lithuania, Spain, Sweden, Finland, Hungary, Switzerland, Norway, Russia, and Britain.
Bahrain, Israel, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Morocco, Guinea, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Egypt are the vaccine advocates in the Middle East and Africa. The Asia-Pacific group includes China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, India, South Korea, Australia, Vietnam and the Philippines.
Cuba and Venezuela, both of which are allowing the vaccination of two-year-olds, Costa Rica, Canada, Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador are heading the drive in the Americas.
The growing number of vaccine-bound nations indicates young Americans aren't out of danger yet. They may have been excluded from the booster roster for now, but until COVID-19 disappears for good, they will remain in reserve status. Unless they or their parents insist on freedom of choice, vaccination with a third, fourth or even fifth dose is on the fringes.
More related stories:
EU, WHO both warn that covid "booster" shots are dangerous.
Before your child is injected, watch Dr. Robert Malone’s statement on child COVID vaccinations.
Male teen deaths skyrocket 53% following mass covid vaccination.
Watch the video below about Dr. Robert Malone's statement on child vaccination.
This video is from Wake Up to Reality channel on Brighteon.com.
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