Costa Rica Continues to Vaccinate Children Amid Protest

Costa Rica has continued to vaccinate its children against coronavirus despite strong opposition from parents as well as social activists.

As of 20 February 2022, nearly 145,000 children, almost a quarter of Costa Rican children aged between 5 and 11 years, were administered at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the country’s Social Security Fund.

The Central American country is the first in the world to make covid vaccines mandatory for children below 12 years of age.

The decree came into force days after US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer got approval for its covid vaccine for children. In November 2021, Costa Rica placed orders for almost a million doses of vaccines.

The Central American country has already received 370,600 doses and it may get another consignment of 3,500,000 doses by the end of 2022, according to Tico Times.

Earlier in January this year, several demonstrations were held across the country to protest against the mandate. A recent fistfight between a parent and doctor made headlines across the country, with more parents beginning to argue that they must have a final say on whether or not their children get a jab.

Most of the studies have confirmed that vaccines are safe for children. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also recommended them for children aged 5 and older.