The question of whether we should be vaccinating children and adolescents against COVID-19 is currently being debated. Here’s why the answer is ‘not yet’.
The messages people under 60 have been getting about the AstraZeneca vaccine this week have been confusing, to say the least. Experts say to consider the risks and benefits. But how do you do this?
The strong disapproval of the South African government’s handling of the pandemic is a warning that crafting persuasive pro-vaccine messages is not enough.
When Bostonians in 1721 faced a deadly smallpox outbreak, a new procedure called inoculation was found to help fend off the disease. Not everyone was won over, and newspapers fed the controversy.
Should people be compelled to take the vaccine? Should you feel guilty for skipping the line? And what about parts of the world where vaccines aren’t readably available? Ethicists have it covered.
While Pfizer is still the preferred vaccine for under 40s, those who don’t want to wait can now talk to their GP about getting an AstraZeneca shot. But what risks and benefits do you need to weigh up?
The rules around allocation, and the enforcement of those rules, can’t rest with each individual. Responsibility lies with those in charge of delivering vaccines.
New Zealand’s approval of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for 12-15 year olds will bring the number of people eligible for the jab to 85% of the population, raising the chance of reaching collective immunity.
Various companies use different ingredients and different delivery systems in their COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers are investigating whether it’s better for individuals to mix what’s available.
Free doughnuts and lotteries may drive some people to get their COVID-19 vaccine. But for those who are afraid of needles, other interventions may be necessary.
A successful rollout isn’t just about the physical points where people can get the vaccinations. It’s also about having a trained workforce to administer them.
Michelle Wise, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The latest advice is to offer COVID-19 vaccines to women at any stage of pregnancy to protect them from a higher risk of severe disease – and to give their babies an early boost of antibodies.
Dean Faculty of Health Sciences and Professor of Vaccinology at University of the Witwatersrand; and Director of the SAMRC Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit, University of the Witwatersrand