The Ministry of Health’s initiative to impose many conditions on the approval of vaccination of children against Covid-19 has delayed the schedule, which could already be underway, with the vaccination of children aged between 5 and 11 before school returns.
This is the opinion of the pediatrician and professor at the Faculty of Medicine of USP Ana Escobar, who spoke to CNN this Wednesday morning (5).
“The first dose could have started in January now, and the second dose after three weeks. We would already have the prospect of most children starting the school year with two doses of the vaccine. We lost this precious time”, said the expert.
After nearly 20 days of approval by Anvisa for Pfizer’s childhood vaccine and a public consultation and hearing, the Ministry of Health will continue with the vaccination of children and should detail the immunization plan on Wednesday. However, the first batch, which should be delivered by the end of the first half of January, should be enough to vaccinate only 6% of Brazilian children, according to the analyst at CNN Caio Junqueira.
The pediatrician hopes that it will not be necessary to cancel classes due to a possible increase in cases of Covid-19 in the country, and classifies the school environment as safe. “We were able to understand how the school environment can be safer than in the children’s homes because they wear masks and follow safety protocols more strictly,” explained Ana.
As a message to parents, the pediatrician says that children need a vaccine and that those responsible should send the little ones to health centers as soon as possible.
“This vaccine is safe, it is effective, the whole world is using it, there is no reason to be afraid or distrustful. Get your children vaccinated, there is no longer any side effect to justify not vaccinating”, said the pediatrician.
Myocarditis
Studies have indicated that myocarditis – inflammation of the heart muscle and the outer lining of the heart – is a side effect that can be caused by the Pfizer vaccine in young people and adults.
Still, the risks of myocarditis are remote and much lower than those presented by those who contract Covid-19.
The professor at the USP School of Medicine said that the chance of developing myocarditis is 20 times more frequent among people who develop Covid without a vaccine than among those who were vaccinated. And among these, the development of myocarditis caused by the vaccine is benign and temporary, added the professor.
Ana warns that parents must be aware of misinformation that tries to disqualify the vaccination. “Don’t be afraid of this and other side effects. There are many fake news. What the world is showing is that the vaccine is safe and effective, vaccinate your children as soon as their time comes”, urged the specialist.
Reference: CNN Brasil
