Vaccination of children against Covid-19: Italy has taken the plunge

Since December 16, all Italians aged 5 to 11 can be vaccinated against Covid-19. Gianni and Claudia, parents of a seven-year-old boy, are vaccinated. This Friday, December 17, they brought their child to a vaccination center to receive his first dose.

According to the recommendation of the European High Authority for Health (AEM), young children should receive one third of the dose administered to over twelve years, with two injections given three weeks apart. After the administration of the vaccine, the little Italians do not receive a health pass, but a certificate of courage. “We are very proud, because we are protecting him and then we are protecting ourselves, and also his grandparents. All those we hope to see for the holidays”, testifies Gianni, the father of the young boy who has just been vaccinated, in the TF1 report at the top of this article.

The Italian authorities invite all parents to vaccinate their children, because at the moment, the virus is circulating most actively among those under 12 years old. In Rome, in the main pediatric hospital, fifteen children are in intensive care. There are only two beds available. “The situation of the pediatric hospital is currently very complicated, much more than at the beginning of this wave, because the children are today those who are the least protected”, explains pediatrician Dr Isabella Tarissi de Jacobis.

About 7% of those under 12 develop forms of long-term Covid. In her office, in recent weeks, Dr Maria Luisa Scalia has observed more and more cases in children under 10 years old. “It’s not just about vaccinating them because the Covid is dangerous at their age. It’s to protect everyone”, says this pediatrician. It also invites parents to vaccinate their children from 5 years old, in particular to break the chain of contamination during family meals at the foot of the tree. In Italy, 25% of the population is opposed to the measure.