RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Committee also endorsed the vaccination of children against the disease, suggesting a direct purchase by the municipality. The two decisions were taken on Monday, December 20, and made public yesterday.
“The CEEC, based on the favorable epidemiological scenario (number of cases, number of hospitalizations, percentage of positive tests), with 80% current vaccination coverage, based on the analysis of data from all events with crowds in the country and in Rio de Janeiro, and backed by available scientific evidence, recommends that the SMS should not establish, at this time, any restriction on the holding of Carnival in Rio de Janeiro,” stressed the experts who make up the committee.
VACCINATION OF CHILDREN
As for the vaccination of children, the experts expressed support for the measure, pointing out that it is based on the evidence available to date, and the municipal government should assess the feasibility of buying the vaccines directly from laboratories.
“In line with scientific associations and the best evidence available so far, the CEEC strongly recommends to the SMS that all measures be adopted to implement the vaccination campaign for children, assessing the potential need to buy directly from suppliers,” the committee members highlighted.
The CEEC comprises physicians, scientists, university professors, health experts, members of the city government, and Rio Municipal Health Secretary Daniel Soranz.