Health Ministry Promises: No Coercion on Covid Shots

The Israeli Health Ministry said on Thursday that there will be no attempt to compel parents to have their children vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Dr. Sharon Alroy-Preis, the ministry’s head of public health, said at a hearing about approving the Pfizer COVID vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds:

“What is important is that every parent will make the decision for their child, relying on the statistics that we provide. “As we have said all along, there is no attempt to force or to compel — rather to provide all of the data so that every parent can make the right decision for their child,” she said.

The hearing was broadcast live, ahead of the ministry’s decision whether to approve the shot for Israeli children. It is expected to follow the recent recommendation of the U.S. Federal and Drug Administration and give its approval, The Times of Israel said.

Meanwhile, it emerged that 163 Israeli children ages 5-11 have already received a coronavirus vaccine for specific health reasons, a Health Ministry official disclosed.

Dr. Emilia Anis, Director of Epidemiology at the Ministry of Health said that of the 163, four reported mild side effects like fever, general fatigue and pain at the local site, while one reported convulsion eight days after receiving the injection. No neurological damage occurred and the case is still being investigated.