COVID-19 vaccine in children: importance of vaccination, prevention and vaccine details
The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) approved the indication of the Covid-19 vaccine in children aged 5 to 11 years.
In addition, approval allows the beginning of the use of the vaccine in Brazil for this age group.
However, the authorization came after a careful technical analysis of data and clinical studies conducted by the laboratory.
However, according to the Agency’s technical team, the information evaluated indicates that the vaccine is safe and effective for children, as requested by Pfizer and authorized by Anvisa.
In addition, the Agency’s assessment took 21 days, discounting the 14 days that Pfizer used to respond to Anvisa’s technical requirements.
Importance of vaccination in children against covid-19:
Children who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 are at greater risk of infection with the disease and of passing the virus on to others, a situation that fuels the emergence of new variants.
In addition, research has already shown that infected children can develop Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, a serious manifestation of Covid-19 that can lead to hospitalization and cause sequelae.
For this reason, experts reinforce the need to include children in the Covid-19 vaccination schedule as soon as possible.
Children can spread the covid-19 virus:
Natasha Ferreira, an infectious disease specialist at Hospital Estadual de Serrana, says that the inclusion of the pediatric population in the immunization plan is a way to protect them from infection and stop the advance of the new coronavirus .
“In addition, it is a risk to keep such a large number of our population unimmunized, children and adolescents, in addition to being exposed, become vectors.
However, the more the virus spreads, even in mild cases, the greater the chance that mutations and other variants will emerge, which may be resistant to vaccines.”
In addition, according to the infectologist, given these risks, the vaccination of children must be prioritized.
“So we need to start vaccinating children as soon as possible to ensure the safety of all of us,” he said. [1]
Why vaccinating children helps with indirect immunization:
In addition, vaccinating children also helps in the indirect protection of the population, as it will increase vaccination coverage and decrease the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and its variants.
However, people who cannot be vaccinated, either because of their age (very young children) or for health reasons (those with medical restrictions), are more protected, highlighted the AMB.
Indirect protection also helps to reduce secondary cases, which are countless ethical, epidemiological, sanitary and public health justifications that justify the immunization of the pediatric population.
Covid-19 vaccine in children prevents serious cases and deaths:
The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP) also spoke out in a note in favor of vaccinating children against Covid-19 .
It states that “this is a sure alternative for the control and prevention of the disease ”.
“The vaccine is effective in preventing Covid-19 , not only in controlled clinical studies reveal this, but also in real world experiences.”
In addition, the SBP also stated that it cannot be ignored that children are dying from Covid-19 in the country.
“However, Brazil is facing hospitalizations, with sequelae and deaths.
In addition, society expects and deserves another type of attitude and commitment to the health of children and adolescents in Brazil.” [two]
Covid-19 vaccine details in children :
In addition, the Covid-19 vaccine formulation in children will be administered in two doses of 0.2 ml (equivalent to 10 micrograms), with at least 21 days between doses.
The lid of the vaccine bottle will come in orange, to facilitate identification by vaccination teams and also by fathers, mothers and caregivers.
Remembering that the lid of lilac color, used for application with people of other age groups.
In addition, the Pfizer vaccine has been registered in Brazil since February 23, 2021.
On June 11, 2021, Anvisa had already authorized the indication of the vaccine for the age group from 12 to 17 years old. [3]
When does vaccination begin in children:
Anvisa’s approval allows the Covid-19 vaccine in children to be used in the country for the age group from 5 to 11 years.
In addition, the arrival of the immunizer at the posts depends on the schedule and logistics of the National Immunization Program of the Ministry of Health (PNI/MS), which coordinates the distribution of vaccines through public programs in Brazil. [4]