Fact check: Old WHO guidelines about children vaccination shared with misleading claims
Several social media users have shared a snapshot of World Health Organisation. “Children should not receive COVID-19 vaccines,”
By Satya Priya BN Published on 30 Jun 2021 12:53 PM GMT
Several social media users have shared a snapshot of World Health Organisation.
"Children should not receive COVID-19 vaccines," reads the message.
Some share the article published on 'Precisionvaccinations.com'. "The WHO says children should not receive COVID-19 vaccines," reads the message.
This claim was shared on Instagram, Twitter, etc.
Archive links:
https://web.archive.org/save/
Fact check:
The claim is MISLEADING.
As research related to COVId-19 vaccination is in progress, the guidelines about the vaccines are changing constantly. The guidelines shared on the website of the World Health Organisation keep changing. The guidelines shared in the viral image are outdated and were published on the World Health Organisation website before June 22.
As per the archive of the WHO website of June 21, the guidelines clearly state: "The COVID-19 vaccines are safe for most people 18 years and older, including those with pre-existing conditions of any kind, including auto-immune disorders. These conditions include hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver, and kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled."
The guidelines state that children should not be vaccinated for the moment.
The guidelines were updated on June 22, 2021, reflect 15 June 2021 SAGE interim recommendations on the Pfizer/BionTech COVID-19 vaccine state that Children and adolescents tend to have milder disease compared to adults. So unless they are part of a group at higher risk of severe COVID-19, it is less urgent to vaccinate them than older people, those with chronic health conditions and health workers.
More evidence is needed on the use of different COVID-19 vaccines on children.
WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) has concluded that the Pfizer/BionTech vaccine is suitable for use by people aged 12 years and above. Children aged between 12 and 15 who are at high risk may be offered this vaccine alongside other priority groups for vaccination. Vaccine trials for children are ongoing and WHO will update its recommendations when the evidence or epidemiological situation warrants a change in policy.
It's important for children to continue to have the recommended childhood vaccines.
https://www.who.int/
According to an official video, the WHO Chief Scientist explains that "except for very few children who are at high risk, it is not considered to be a priority right now because we have limited doses of vaccines."
WHO generally issues guidelines concerning the entire world, but USCDC issues guidelines specifically pertaining to the United States of America. As Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is available in the USA, CDC has recommended that everyone 12 years and older should get a COVID-19 vaccination.
Countries like India are still under the trial stage for vaccinating children. According to a report published on June 28, 2021, vaccines for kids will be available by July end or August.
The central government informed the Supreme Court that the vaccine developed by Zydus Cadila will be available soon for children who are 12 and above subject to statutory permissions.
According to Hindustan Times, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) director Dr. Randeep Guleria has said making vaccines against the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) available for children would be a "milestone achievement," as concerns persist over the impact of a potential third Covid-19 wave on those under the age of 18.
The claim has also been debunked by USA today.com.
Hence, the claim that World Health Organization advised Children should not receive the COVID-19 vaccine is MISLEADING. Outdated guidelines are being shared as a present one.
