The Paediatric Society of Cyprus (PEK) said on Tuesday that it wholly supports the vaccination against coronavirus of children aged 12 and above, as its head announced the launch of an information campaign.
President of the society, Michalis Anastasiades, said that the vaccination drive for children was launched with its primary goal being “informing the public of the necessity of the immediate vaccination of children”.
He further stated that PEK’s primary concern is children’s safety while also contributing to the increased vaccination coverage across the wider population with “our overarching aim being an exit from uncertainty and danger along with the restrictions brought on by the pandemic”.
At the press conference, Anastasiades cited the increased transmissibility of the virus amongst the unvaccinated, danger of complications should children contract Covid-19 and disruption at schools as the main push factors in the debate over whether to vaccinate children.
The psychological impact of the pandemic and exclusion from social activities were also given as a reason for children to be vaccinated, according to Anastasiades.
He also referenced the US as having safely administered ten million doses to children above the age of 12.
Elsewhere, many countries have proceeded with vaccinating children but notably the UK’s
chief medical officers recommended only a single dose of the Pfizer jab for those aged 12-15.
At the time, Professor Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer for England, said the vaccination would be an “offer”.
He said young people and their parents needed to be supported, and there should be no stigma attached to their choice.
In Cyprus, those over the age of 12 are subject to SafePass requirements – providing proof of either a negative coronavirus test or vaccination – to effectively partake in most social and daily activities.(Cyprus Mail)
