Omicron variant replicates better in children’s noses, says study

Anvisa approved, on December 16, the application of Pfizer’s immunizing agent in children aged 5 to 11 years. For this, a pediatric version of the vaccine will be used, called Comirnatybaona/Getty Images

The vaccine is specific for children and has a different concentration than that used in adults. The dose of Comirnaty is equivalent to a third of that applied to people over 12 years oldIgo Estrela / Metropolis

The lid of the vaccine vial will be orange, to facilitate identification by the immunization teams and also by fathers, mothers and caregivers who will take the children to receive the drug application.Aline Massuca/Metropolis

Since the beginning of the pandemic, more than 300 children between the ages of 5 and 11 have died from the coronavirus in Brazil.ER Productions Limited/Getty Images

This corresponds to 14.3 deaths per month, or one every other day. In addition, according to data from the Ministry of Health, the prevalence of the disease in children is significant. Apart from the number of deaths, there are thousands of hospitalizationsGetty Images

According to Fiocruz, vaccinating children against Covid is necessary to prevent the circulation of the virus at high levels, in addition to ensuring the health of the little ones.Vinícius Schmidt/Metropolis

However, since the approval for the application of the vaccine in children, Anvisa has been criticized by Bolsonaro, supporters of the president and anti-vaccination groups.HUGO BARRETO / Metropolis

To discuss childhood immunization, the Ministry of Health opened a public consultation and announced that pediatric vaccination would start on January 14. In addition, the presentation of a medical prescription will not be mandatory.Igo Estrela / Metropolis

Initially, the government’s intention was to demand prescription. However, after the public hearing held with doctors and researchers, the ministry decided to back off. Disclosure / Health Goiânia

According to the folder, the immunizing agent used will be that of pharmaceutical Pfizer and the suggested interval between each dose will be eight weeks. If the minor is not accompanied by his parents, he must present a written term signed by the guardian Hugo Barreto / Metropolis

The decision of the Ministry of Health to extend the range of doses of the immunizer contradicts Anvisa’s guidance, which advocates a three-week break between one application and another for children aged 5 to 11 years.Rafaela Felicciano / Metropolis

In addition, although a medical prescription is not required for vaccination, the federal government recommends that parents consult a health professional before taking their children to be vaccinated.Aline Massuca / Metropolis

According to Pfizer data, about 7% of children who received a dose of the vaccine had some reaction, but in only 3.5% the events were related to the immunizing agent. none of them were seriousIgo Estrela / Metropolis

Countries such as Israel, Chile, Canada, Colombia, United Kingdom, Argentina and Cuba, and the European Union itself, for example, are some of the places that have authorized vaccination against Covid-19 in children.Getty Images

In the United States, childhood immunization began on November 3. To date, more than 5 million children have received the Covid-19 vaccine. No deaths were recorded and serious adverse events were rare. baona/Getty Images

vaccinated childGetty Images

A study released by Butantan in January shows that there were no reports of serious adverse effects among the 4,000 children between 6 and 35 months of age who participated in the survey.Getty Images

The Butantan Institute, responsible for the manufacture of the Coronavac vaccine in the national territory, should send Anvisa more data on the age group from 3 to 5 years old to increase the number of people to be immunized by the formula Getty Images

While vaccines are not approved for younger children, scientific research has already shown that vaccinated breastfeeding mothers pass antibodies to their children via breast milk. Getty Images