Scientists have confirmed that there is no clear benefit of vaccinating young children and adolescents as they are less likely to develop severe COVID-19.
Academics have also announced that harmful reactions to the vaccine have occurred in some children.
Currently in the UK, anyone over the age of 12 is eligible to be vaccinated; however, children between the age of five and 11 with a pre-existing medical condition can also be jabbed.
In response to the Omicron strain of COVID-19, multiple countries in Europe broadened its vaccine requirement, meaning some young children are now entitled to be vaccinated.
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However, this decision has been controversial, with many scientists branding the vaccine “unnecessary” for young children.
Swedish Health Agency official, Britta Bjorkholm said: “’With the knowledge we have today, with a low risk for serious disease for kids, we don’t see any clear benefit with vaccinating them.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 mortality rates amongst children below the age of 12 is significantly low.
Prior research conducted at the University of Utah discovered that half of children do not develop symptoms of COVID-19 when they are infected with the virus.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI) believes that only some children should be required to have the vaccine.
It stated: “When formulating advice in relation to childhood immunisations, JCVI has consistently held that the main focus of its considerations should be the potential benefits and harms of vaccination to children and young people themselves.
“The benefits and risks from Covid-19 vaccination in children and young people are finely balanced largely because the risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection are very low.”
It added: “Of all age groups, children aged five to 11 years are those at lowest risks of serious COVID-19.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also reported that young men are at risk of developing myocarditis after being vaccinated with the Pfizer or Morderna shots.
Dr Soumya Swaminathan, The World Health Organization’s Chief Scientist, said: “There is no evidence that healthy children or healthy adolescents need boosters. No evidence at all.”
