Israel "Vaccination for Ages 12-16... No Side Effects"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] In Israel, no serious side effects were observed after administering the COVID-19 vaccine to adolescents aged 12 to 16.

The British daily The Guardian reported on the 10th (local time), citing local health officials, that "no serious adverse reactions were observed after vaccinating about 600 adolescents aged 12 to 16 with the Pfizer vaccine."

Dr. Az Lev, a vaccine advisory member of the Israeli government, stated, "We did not find any serious adverse reactions in adolescents who received the COVID-19 vaccine," adding, "Cases showing mild adverse reactions were also rare. This is encouraging news."

Israel, along with South Korea, the United Kingdom, the United States, the European Union (EU), and Japan, currently only authorizes vaccination for those aged 16 and older.

The Israeli Ministry of Health has recommended vaccination for high-risk groups among teenagers with underlying conditions. However, patients with cystic fibrosis, which can cause respiratory failure, are an exception.

Israel, ranked first worldwide in vaccination rate, has vaccinated more than half of its population with at least one dose as of today. The Israeli Ministry of Health expects to vaccinate 60% of the population within this week.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu forecasted that all adults aged 16 and older would complete vaccination by early next month. The Guardian stated, "In Israel, where one-quarter of the total population is under 16, starting vaccination for minors is key to forming herd immunity."

Professor Nahman Ash, Israel's COVID-19 response chief, said, "The inability to vaccinate those under 16 is becoming a problem in forming herd immunity." The Guardian pointed out, "Even if clinical trial results for minors come out, a significant number of parents refuse to consent to vaccinating their children."

According to a public opinion poll conducted by local broadcasters, 41% of parents said they would vaccinate their children aged 6 to 15. 29% opposed vaccination, and 30% responded that they were unsure.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.