Israel Administers Pfizer Vaccine to Children Aged 5-11... "No Major Side Effects Observed"

A 12-year-old Israeli boy receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-seop] A report from Israel indicated that there were no major side effects after administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children aged 5 to 11.

According to local media on the 5th, the Israeli Ministry of Health disclosed related cases at a public hearing for vaccinating children aged 5 to 11. In Israel, 163 children aged 5 to 11 received the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccinations were carried out under special approval due to underlying health conditions and other reasons.

Among them, there were 4 cases of adverse reactions. Three cases involved pain at the injection site, and the remaining one was fatigue. These reactions were relatively mild. There were 5 breakthrough infection cases, with 4 occurring within one week after vaccination and the remaining one within two weeks after vaccination.

This public hearing was organized by the Israeli government considering the public opinion of parents who expressed concerns about vaccinating children. Israel has been committed to nationwide vaccination efforts since the early development of the COVID-19 vaccine, but there is also negative public opinion regarding vaccination for children.

Dr. Sharon Aloi-Freis, head of the Public Health Service at the Israeli Ministry of Health, declared at the hearing that they would not force child vaccinations. He emphasized, “It is important that every parent makes the decision for their child,” and “We will provide sufficient data so that parents can make informed decisions.”

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