COVID-19 vaccination should be made available for children aged 5-11

The Health Council of the Netherlands recommends making COVID-19 vaccination available for (parents of) children aged 5-11 who wish to get vaccinated. While coronavirus only causes very mild symptoms in most children in this age group, a small group of children are at risk of severe disease. In addition, there is a risk of developing a serious inflammatory response in vital body parts. It is likely that vaccination can prevent this. Vaccination furthermore may reduce the indirect negative health effects that the COVID-19 pandemic has on children. Examples of such negative effects are restricted access to school, sports or social contact with peers. The Council has informed the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport accordingly in an advisory report.