Prosecutors tell Brazilian government to purchase Covid vaccines for children

Federal prosecutors recommended the purchase, within 20 days, of Covid vaccines for children aged six months or more. In a document sent to the Health Ministry, they warn officials that “the delay or insufficiency in the supply of doses exposes children to the risk of death or serious sequelae.”

The recommendation comes as several cities record shortages of pediatric doses, and Brazil experiences a rise in new cases and deaths as new Omicron sub-variants spread across the country.

According to the federally-run Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, more than 400 children were hospitalized due to complications from the disease, and at least 17 died between September 4 and October 1 alone.

Pediatric vaccines by Sinovac and Pfizer received approval from health regulators in July and September, respectively. But, after four months, less than 6 percent of children aged between 3 and 4 years received both doses. With low stocks, some cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, suspended the vaccination of children.

The government made it difficult to access medicines, only recommending shots to children with pre-existing conditions. Organizations of Brazilian pediatricians have recommended any limitations be lifted.

The government’s last announcement on the issue came on November 10, announcing the distribution of 1 million jabs. Though prosecutors say the number is insufficient to immunize even the target demographic of children with pre-existing conditions.

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