As Covid-19 contaminations start to rise again on Christmas Eve, the debate on the vaccination of children under 5 is back.
This December 19, exactly one year after the opening of vaccination to children aged between 5 and 11 years, the High Authority for Health (HAS), opens the door to babies over six months old presenting a risk of a serious form.
“
HAS recommends that children aged 6 months to 4 years old at risk of developing a severe form of the disease be vaccinated as of now.
It thus targets children who have one of the comorbidities
, ”wrote the national authority in a press release.
In particular, it targets children suffering from diabetes, heart disease and hepatitis, as well as children with disabilities, carriers of trisomy 21.
Read alsoCovid-19: child vaccination at an impasse
According to Public Health France, “
those under 1 year old represent 70% of hospitalizations for 0-17 year olds and 84% of critical care admissions
”.
Relying on an effectiveness of up to 80% after three doses, the health authorities take the plunge by recommending the vaccination of the youngest.
The latter, authorized in the United States, Germany and the Netherlands, questioned at length in France.
While some emphasize the rarity of serious symptoms, others call for limiting long Covids or the propagative role of small ones in the epidemic.
However, the vaccination of their elders, 5-11 years old, does not exceed 3%, according to updated data from Health Insurance.
The upper age group (12-17 years) went more to the vaccination centres: 74% of them received a double dose.
Is recommended for minors, the pediatric vaccine from Pfizer, containing a third of an adult dose.
On November 25, the Comirnaty injection received approval from the National Medicines Agency.
