Experts know best on safety of paediatric vaccination: SC

Observing that the Court cannot sit in judgement of leading scientific analysis relating to the safety of paediatric vaccination, the Supreme Court has said that the decision taken by the Centre to vaccinate children in the country is in tune with global scientific consensus and expert bodies.

A bench of Justices L Nageswara Rao and BR Gavai also said that data shows vaccine does not pose any threat to children.

"Experts in science may themselves differ in their opinions while taking decisions on matters related to safety and allied aspects, but that does not entitle the Court to second-guess expert opinion, on the basis of which the Government has drawn up its policies. The decision taken by the Union of India to vaccinate paediatric population in this country is in tune with global scientific consensus and expert bodies like the WHO, the UNICEF, and the CDC has also advised paediatric vaccination," the bench said.

Plea seeking changes in vax policy junked

Court has asked the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Ministry to decide on a representation of a person seeking modification of Covid policy to allow voluntary re-vaccination of persons who have received Sputnik-V vaccine and are desirous of travelling abroad. A bench of Justices DY Chandrachud and Surya Kant while refusing to interfere with the plea granted liberty to the petitioner, Tarun Mehta, to move a representation before the Ministry. The plea stated that Mr Mehta was vaccinated with the Sputnik-V vaccine, but, since it has not been approved by the World Health Organization, he was unable to travel abroad.