NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant has reappeared in a NSW Health livestream to address questions surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine.
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant has appeared on a livestream for NSW Health to address common questions surrounding vaccination for children against Covid-19.
Appearing alongside Professor Kristine McCartney and interviewed by 14-year-old Anhaar, Dr Chant attempted to clear the air on a number of issues the public raised in relation to the vaccine.
“Young people don’t often get serious illness, but some can,” Dr Chant said.
“But we also know teenagers interact with a lot of people, they are very social, They connect across multiple age groups, including parents, grandparents and extended family.
“We want to make sure we’re keeping the transmission of Covid in the community as low as possible. So having that immunity in 12 to 15-year-olds is critical in keeping those numbers suppressed.”
Professor McCartney warned of the possible effects Covid-19 can have on the body and encouraged children to get vaccinated to “stay protected and protect their loved ones”.
“I think it’s really important to realise that young people want to be doing all the things they couldn’t do during the pandemic.
“There are rare complications in young people, particularly if you have an underlying condition. There is an inflammatory condition that happens after infection that can put you in hospital, and there is also long Covid, which we are still learning more about.
“But neither are something a young person wants to get at this really great time of their life.”
‘Very rare’: Side effects in young people explained
Dr Chant said there were currently no mandatory requirements for young people to get vaccinated, but encouraged Aussies to get to the clinic.
In regards to side effects in young people, Professor McCartney addressed the common question surrounding heart issues in young people.
“It’s an important question because we have seen these two conditions associated — very rarely and in a mild form — in young people,” she said.
“You might have muscle aches after the vaccine, and the effects can be sometimes be seen in the heart muscle, but it is very rare. It’s about 1 in 50,000 teenagers, so it’s very rare. It’s certainly more common in males, down to one in 10 to 20,000.
“But we haven’t seen death in relation to the vaccine. We know Covid-19 can cause inflammation of the heart and other long term effects, so we really believe the benefit outweighs the risk.
“The main thing is to be aware of it, to look out for it. For young people who get myocarditis or pericarditis, they will have to be hospitalised for a short period.”
Professor McCartney also addressed concerns over the higher rate of heart issues in young males after taking the Moderna shot.
“We’ve seen a slightly higher rate in myocarditis and pericarditis in young people from Moderna,” she said.
“There are some suggestions from Denmark and Canada that it might be 1 in 10,000 in young males. So it’s still rare.
“If you want to know more, talk to your vaccine provider. Both vaccines are available for young people. We haven’t restricted either for young people.”
Chant: Don’t wait for Novavax
When questioned over people holding out for the yet to be approved protein-based vaccines, Dr Chant encouraged young people to steer their relatives clear of “misinformation”.
“My clear response is no,” Chant said when asked if people should wait for Novavax.
“We have a clear array. We have vaccines now. It’s so important we use them. I really encourage anyone to not hesitate.
“I know young people are influential with their parents and grandparents, so please raise with them their vaccination status and really encourage them (to get the jab).
“Young people have a key role in keeping people around them safe. So please support them with the information you have and help them go to credible sources and engage with their GP or pharmacist to refute some myths and misinformation out there.”
Originally published as Kerry Chant addresses child vaccination questions in NSW Health livestream
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