The Federal Medical Council says it wants to know doctors’ perception of the obligation; some entities are against the initiative, arguing that vaccination should be encouraged, as hospital admissions and mortality due to the disease continue to increase among children
A study launched on Tuesday 9th by the Federal Council of Medicine (FMC) on the compulsory vaccination of children from 6 months to 4 years and 11 months against COVID-19 has generated controversy and criticism from medical bodies, such as the Brazilian Society of Immunizations (SBIm), the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases (SBI) and the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics (SBP).
In the text presenting the research, on its website, the CFM states that it has done so “the objective of knowing the perception of Brazilian doctors regarding mandatory vaccination” against covid-19 to this group of children. “The opinion of doctors is essential to enrich the debate and contribute to future decision-making,” explains the body. “The results of the research will support the CFM in the development of actions related to the theme”, concludes the text, without providing details on the objective.
In a note released two days later, last Thursday the 11th, the Brazilian Society of Immunizations (SBIm) disapproves of the initiative and defends vaccination. “Covid-19 was responsible for 5,310 cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and 135 deaths among children under 5 in Brazil in 2023, according to the latest epidemiological bulletin from the Ministry of Health, which brings together data until November Are the incidence and mortality due to the disease in this age group increasing from 2022?, says SBIm.
Why was the covid vaccine included in the immunization program for children aged 6 months to 4 years?
Response to criticism
This Friday, the 12th, the CFM released another note on the research, in which it underlines that it is not against vaccinating children against Covid-19. “At no time does the CFM contest the effectiveness or the decision of the Ministry of Health to make the vaccine against Covid-19 available to the child population. The research aims exclusively to understand the Brazilian doctor’s perception of the obligation imposed on parents to children are vaccinated,” the note reads.
“The decision arises from numerous requests sent to the Municipality to know the CFM’s position on this issue, as the information leaflet provided by the manufacturer conditions its sale on medical prescription”, follows the text, which concludes by defending vaccination against other diseases.
SBI and SBP believe that the defense of medical autonomy does not justify research like this. “Would it make sense for a doctor, believing in his own autonomy, for example, to stop prescribing treatment to a patient with active tuberculosis?”, they ask. The bodies underline that childhood vaccination against Covid-19 is a decision established by specialized and competent public bodies and must be followed by doctors linked to the CRM and CFM.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
