The National Health Surveillance Agency approved the vaccination against Covid-19 for children aged 5 to 11 years, butthe government of Jair Bolsonaro (PL) still does not have in hand the specific doses for this group. Even with the agency's decision, the youngest cannot be immediately immunized. The deadline for responding to Pfizer's request ends on December 24.
Members of the Ministry of Health say they will only ask for the delivery of specific doses for children after the Anvisa decision. In a statement, Pfizer said that the contract to supply 100 million vaccines in 2022 also includes the possibility of delivering modified versions of the immunizing agent, including for children. The pharmacist confirmed that no pediatric dose was sent to Brazil. The expectation of ministry managers is that the doses start arriving in January of next year. Sought, the ministry did not respond.
There is still no endorsement in Brazil for the use of vaccines against the new coronavirus in children. Only the Pfizer model can be applied to the 12 to 17 year olds.
Translated by Kiratiana Freelon