It’s now been four weeks since the first 12-to-15 year olds received their first dose of Pfizer. But the CECC still hasn’t decided whether this age group should receive a second dose. For now, plans for full vaccination are on hold, as experts weigh Pfizer’s benefits against the risks of side effects like myocarditis. The CECC says that if experts believe a second dose is appropriate, vaccination will proceed one month from now at the earliest.
Taiwan’s vaccine drive is moving fast toward the goal of 70% two-dose coverage by the end of the year. One group that will soon be due for a second dose is teenagers aged 12 to 17. But the upcoming 13th round of vaccinations will only offer second shots of Pfizer to people aged 18 and up. For now, vaccination at secondary schools is on hold.
Huang Yu-cheng
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices member
Most of the issues are concerns over myocarditis, or acute pericarditis. There are about 1.3 million people in the 12 to 17 age group. If you vaccinate a great many of them, going by the ratios, you’re going to get a few dozen cases.
This expert says that although there’s the risk of side effects, the benefits of vaccination outweigh the negatives.
Huang Yu-cheng
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices member
Severe cases of myocarditis are very rare. So considering the risks associated with COVID infection and the risks from adverse reactions to vaccines, I would still recommend that they get a second shot.
This expert still recommends that teens eventually complete a two-shot course. In contrast, the U.K., Norway, and Hong Kong have recommended just one shot for teenagers. Adopting a cautious stance, the CECC says it will decide on teen vaccination after rolling out second doses for adults.
Chuang Jen-hsiang
CECC spokesman
We will ask the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices to reevaluate whether the benefits of administering a second dose outweigh the drawbacks. And then we will make an assessment, considering studies in other countries as well as vaccine drives in other countries. We would need to distribute consent forms, as well as hold meetings with ACIP experts. So at the earliest, second doses for teens will roll out one month from today.
The CECC says it will carefully evaluate the risks and necessity of offering second doses of the COVID vaccine to teenagers.
