Norway will in turn extend anti-Covid vaccination to the 5-11 age group on a voluntary basis and without making an official recommendation, the Norwegian government announced on Friday January 14.
Children aged 12 to 15, to whom a single dose of vaccine has so far been offered, will be able to receive a second if their parents wish, also indicated the Ministry of Health.
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"
Children very rarely become seriously ill and there is currently limited knowledge about rare side effects or long-term side effects
," Minister Ingvild Kjerkol said in a statement. "
The benefit (of vaccination, editor's note) for most children is limited and the (Norwegian) Institute of Public Health (FHI) does not have an official recommendation that all children between the ages of 5 and 11 should be vaccinated ( ...) but it is especially relevant for some groups
“, she added.
The offer is more particularly aimed at children suffering from chronic illnesses, at families where the children are in close contact with vulnerable people or at children called upon to stay in countries where the epidemic is widespread and access to services less health.
Norway, where nearly 90% of the adult population has now received at least two doses, thus joins a growing list of countries offering vaccination to the youngest.
Despite a surge in cases due to the more contagious Omicron variant, which does not however translate into an increase in hospitalizations, the Norwegian government announced on Thursday some easing of health restrictions, including the partial lifting of the ban on the sale of alcohol in bars and restaurants.
