More than 240,000 doses Pfizer-BioNTech needed
The 12-17 are now the new target for the Covid 19 vaccination. It is a Governmental measure that will compel college students to follow the rest in the vaccination program. The only authorized vaccine for minors, by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), is the Pfizer-BioNTech. To enlighten us, we have decided to have Vasantrao Gujadhur comments.
Dr Gujadhur: “I support”
The Mauritian Government seems to be following the global trend in the management of this pandemic crisis. Vaccination is indeed important as a shield against transmission. “It is undoubtedly the next logical step in a country’s national vaccination program even though the decision is more a political one than a medically professional one. I support this decision. However, it will be an imposition for the 12-17 years’ population and will require more than 240,000 doses. Can the government afford such an investment for this Pfizer- BioNTech vaccine? With this decision comes a whole logistics problem and the guarantee of continuous provision for the new target group! It should also be mentioned that Imposition is bad in all forms or reasons and the government will have to engage into a new and aggressive awareness campaign” says Dr Vasantrao Gujadhur.
The Elderly remain priority
However, our interlocutor has highlighted that we have not yet attained the 40% milestone in the National Vaccination Programme 2nd dose, stating: “The necessity for vaccination should keep its Priority Hierarchy, that is first the elderly population, followed by adults, young adults, and only then minors. This measure will be costly and I only hope that it will not be financed from the existing vaccine fund for the population.”
Risk of Myocarditis
A Covid 19 Vaccine is a shield, but at any time, it does not guarantee a total immunity against the contraction or transmission of the virus. And Pfizer-BioNtech, even if authorised, isn’t without Zero Risk. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in the United States, 7 million teens and young adults have received at least a first dose. However, soon after the Food and Drug Administration authorized the use of Pfizer’s vaccine in young people, federal agencies began receiving reports of mild chest pain or other signs of possible heart inflammation known as myocarditis in a small percentage of teens and young adults right after their vaccination. The inflammation of the heart muscle often includes shortness of breath, a forceful heartbeat that may be irregular, and eventually chest pain. Heart inflammation is a complication seen with a range of viral infections, including SARS-CoV-2 itself. “By implementing this measure, The Mauritian Government should provide an emergency cell in case of Myocarditis” informs Dr Gujadhur.
Under Consent Form
This measure falls under Public Health (Covid-19 Vaccines for Emergency Use) (Amendment No 4) Regulations 2021. The 12-17 population will be inoculated after presenting a signed consent form from their parents. The Moderna vaccine is awaiting authorisation from the European Medicines Agency, thus both Moderna and Johnson are excluded for the time being.
