Does the World Health Organization now recommend against COVID-19 vaccination of children?
A social media post claiming the WHO "is now recommending that children DO NOT get the COVID-19 vaccine" lacks the context of the WHO's full guidance on vaccines for children.
The WHO says more evidence is needed regarding children and vaccines. The public health agency's webpage on vaccinations goes on to explain that children -- who tend to get less sick than adults -- are not the priority, unless they have certain health conditions that put them at higher risk.
The WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts says the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is suitable for children 12 and up. Vaccine trials for children are ongoing and the WHO will update recommendations when the evidence or epidemiological situation warrants, the agency says.
It's worth noting that WHO advice on children and vaccines is different than advice given by the CDC. The U.S. agency recommends everyone 12 and up get vaccinated.
