Gov’t runs risk by ignoring advice on vaccinating teens

Israel has ignored the World Health Organization’s recommendation that children should not be vaccinated for the moment and instead is now running one of the most stunningly rapid vaccination campaigns worldwide for youngsters aged 12-16.

While the WHO did conclude that the Pfizer vaccine is “suitable for use by people aged 12 years and above,” and that “children aged between 12 and 15 who are at high risk may be offered this vaccine alongside other priority groups for vaccination,” it also said more evidence is needed on the use of coronavirus vaccines in this population before making general recommendations.

“Vaccine trials for children are ongoing and WHO will update its recommendations when the evidence or epidemiological situation warrants a change in policy,” it said.

The WHO also said it had concerns over higher-income Western nations vaccinating their youth, while many lower- and middle-income countries have still not obtained enough doses to inoculate their high-risk populations.

Yet, as of Saturday night, more than 100,000 teens and preteens had been inoculated, the Health Ministry said, in a campaign that at least one top medical professional said could – and should – have waited.

Prof. Rivka Carmi, the former president of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and a top Israeli pediatrician and geneticist, said as youth flock to the country’s vaccination stations inspired by a massive PR campaign being run by the Health Ministry and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, “my take was to wait and see.”

“This is a very aggressive campaign, saying: ‘Go vaccinate – we are going to throw away vaccines at the end of the month,’” she said. “People don’t really know the facts – and they should.”