Brazil official wants halt to teen COVID-19 shots after death; health agency says no evidence for move By Reuters

By Lisandra Paraguassu

BRASILIA (Reuters) -Brazil’s federal authorities needs to halt COVID-19 vaccinations for many adolescents, citing a loss of life below investigation and hostile 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, Well being 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 prone to extreme COVID-19, which he stated was solely supposed to begin on Wednesday.

Queiroga stated wholesome adolescents who’ve already taken one shot mustn’t take a second – successfully looking for to halt nationwide immunizations for youngsters.

In a press release, federal well being regulator Anvisa stated there was “no proof to help or demand modifications” to its approval for kids from 12 to 17 to be vaccinated with Pfizer (NYSE:) photographs.

Queiroga didn’t specify a cause for requesting a halt, however stated there have been 1,545 hostile occasions registered, with 93% of them in individuals who obtained COVID-19 photographs apart from the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine – the one one permitted 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 current, there is no such thing as a particular 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 folks below 18 years previous. Governor Joao Doria stated on social media that Sao Paulo wouldn’t cease vaccinating adolescents.

Queiroga stated proof in regards to the efficacy of vaccines for wholesome youngsters was not but sure, though medical trial information has proven them to be efficient in stopping sickness.

America, Israel and a few European international locations have rolled out vaccinations to youngsters. On Monday, England determined that each one 12- to 15-year-olds shall be supplied a shot after senior medical advisers stated children would profit https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/britains-top-medics-recommend-12-15-year-olds-get-covid-vaccine-2021-09-13 from decreased disruption to their schooling.

It stays to be seen if Queiroga’s feedback will carry a lot weight. Based on Carlos Lula, the president of the affiliation of state well being secretaries, the vast majority of states don’t plan to halt vaccinations for this age group.