A lot of people have been quite upset about me not mentioning vaccination for my 18mo daughter in this piece. A useful fact to consider is that the Australian federal government, on advice from their independent expert panel, now considers all children under 18 INELIGIBLE for COVID-19 vaccination. - ThreadSky

gidmk.bsky.social • 44 days ago

A lot of people have been quite upset about me not mentioning vaccination for my 18mo daughter in this piece.

A useful fact to consider is that the Australian federal government, on advice from their independent expert panel, now considers all children under 18 INELIGIBLE for COVID-19 vaccination.

Reposted from Health Nerd

I'm an epidemiologist and a father. I'm not overly concerned about COVID-19 and my daughter's health now in 2025.

Here's why:

gidmk.substack.com/p/children-a...

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trry-sciteach.bsky.social•44 days ago

What is the rationale? I get not being too concerned but if there is a safe vaccine and it cuts the chances of getting sick…then what is the argument for not giving it to kids?

gidmk.bsky.social•44 days ago

Cost/benefit. Primary immunization was a massive benefit for people who had never been exposed to COVID-19, and about 80% of kids got one in 2021/22. But now the benefit for kids is extremely small, and the cost of vaccinating them is very high. Also, all vaccines are inconvenient and unpleasant...

gidmk.bsky.social•44 days ago

...and so adding another to the schedule is a pretty big decision. In addition, at this point the population benefit from mass immunization of kids is very low. Imo it's a very reasonable call given the low risk to kids especially those under 10yo.

looftsabine.bsky.social•44 days ago

Germany: Only "For children aged 6 months and older with a ❗️pre-existing condition❗️ that is associated with an increased risk of a severe COVID-19 course, the STIKO recommends basic immunity and annual booster vaccinations in the fall."

yousitonmyspot.bsky.social•42 days ago

What's the difference between annual flu shot for children and (no) annual covid shot for children? One could also argue that children get the flu every year or every two year and would not need regular boosters. SARS-CoV2 is still mutating, and adapted vaccines are available. I don't understand.

daverensberger.bsky.social•44 days ago

Does Australia vaccinate kids for influenza?

gidmk.bsky.social•44 days ago

Here's the table of advice from ATAGI. Children with no risk factors (immunocompromized, severe kidney disease, congenital heart/respiratory disease, etc) are not eligible to receive a primary course of the vaccine. Boosters are not recommended. Website here: https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/covid-19-vaccines/getting-your-vaccination

dystopicdoc.bsky.social•43 days ago

Hi Natalie, I managed to find this video of the ATAGI meeting https://youtu.be/sY_Yf4zz-yo?feature=shared

nlintonepi.bsky.social•44 days ago

Is there somewhere that describes what went into that decision?

daverensberger.bsky.social•44 days ago

Lemme guess: Approximately 100% of the upset people are from the United States?

devgruppo.bsky.social•44 days ago

People upset that the vaccine is off the schedule? Or people upset that kids get vaccinated at all?

daverensberger.bsky.social•44 days ago

“A lot of people have been quite upset about me not mentioning vaccination for my 18mo daughter in this piece.”

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