Vaccinations against Covid-19 for children aged 5/11 are a sensitive issue, which has caused discussion. For this reason, the National Bioethics Committee intervened on the recently authorized pediatric immunization. As part of an in-depth study of the medical aspects, relative to the epidemiological data on the development of the disease and the data on the safety and efficacy of vaccinations at international and national level for the age group 5-11 years, the NBC highlights the favorable relationship of benefits compared to to the risks.
In particular, the Committee stresses that, given the risks posed by the disease and the possible consequences, vaccinating children is primarily aimed at protecting their health, for direct benefits, considering both physical health (with the prevention of serious disease and death) and well-being on the psycho-social level (with the possibility of living schooling and socializing in safety).
Covid, here are your questions on the vaccine for children. The pediatrician answers
by Elena Bozzola
The benefits
To the direct benefits must be added the indirect benefits, those to protect their families with whom the children live, especially in the case of elderly and vulnerable people who have not been able to vaccinate, and to contain the “circulation” of the virus and achieve immunity community faster.
The Committee considers it important to explain to children, even with age-appropriate means (including comics, cartoons and television characters), the need for attention and prevention behaviors through vaccinations. He underlines the importance of having set up specific vaccination places for children with inviting games and graphics, remembering that interesting initiatives have also been taken in the school, which can be the preferable place to vaccinate children, given that it is the most familiar place after the own home and this can make them feel safe, protected, and make them live this experience as if it were part of the routine.
Covid, here are your questions on the vaccine for children. The pediatrician answers
by Elena Bozzola
Informed consent
Finally, the Committee underlines the importance of informed consent in which the will of the parents is expressed. Informed consent in pediatrics for young children, for vaccination choices, is left to a competent reflection by the doctor concerning the evaluation of the child’s health conditions and complete and clear information to parents in the context of the therapeutic alliance. In this phase, pediatricians are therefore responsible for a profound work of information and persuasion, as well as monitoring the progress of vaccinations in ‘real life’, on the territory and in hospitals.
My child has had Covid, can I vaccinate him? The pediatrician answers
by Elena Bozzola
The Committee recommends that parents take decisions considering the best interests of the child and the protection of their frail family members, as well as the protection of the community; urges institutional communication, scientific associations and societies and pediatricians themselves to continue to provide clear and transparent information on the balance of benefits and risks of the vaccine; calls for careful monitoring of fake news. And remember how important it is to organize vaccination campaigns in schools.