The global Covid-19 vaccination recommendations from the World Health Organization's vaccine experts have been revised, indicating that healthy children and teenagers who are considered low priority may not need to receive the vaccine.
The updated guidelines aim to prioritize Covid-19 vaccines for those who are at the highest risk of severe disease and death, as stated by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) at the World Health Organization. This has been issued to reflect the current stage of the pandemic, including the emergence of the Omicron variant, and the high levels of population immunity resulting from vaccines and prior infection.
The new recommendations are streamlined and categorized into high-, medium-, and low-risk groups. SAGE suggests that high-priority groups such as older individuals, immunocompromised people of all ages, front-line health workers, and pregnant individuals receive additional booster doses of the Covid-19 vaccine six or 12 months after their last booster dose.
For individuals in the medium-risk category, SAGE recommends primary vaccinations and first booster doses but does not suggest routine additional boosters. This category includes children and adolescents with health risks and healthy adults under the age of approximately 60.
For healthy children between six months and 17 years old, countries should consider vaccination based on factors such as the disease burden and cost-effectiveness, as per SAGE.