Why MIS-C in Children is Not a Reason to Vaccinate Them Against SARS-CoV-2: A Voice for Science and Solidarity

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of people worldwide, and children have not been spared. While children are less likely to develop severe COVID-19 symptoms, they are still at risk of developing a rare but serious condition known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). As the world races to vaccinate as many people as possible against COVID-19, some have suggested that children should also be vaccinated to protect them from MIS-C. However, a recent article by Voice for Science and Solidarity argues that MIS-C does not justify vaccinating children against SARS-CoV-2.

The Argument Against Vaccinating Children for MIS-C

The article argues that while MIS-C is a serious condition, it is still very rare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as of August 2021, there have been 4,404 cases of MIS-C reported in the United States, with 37 deaths. While any death is tragic, these numbers represent a very small percentage of the total number of children who have been infected with COVID-19. Therefore, the article argues that vaccinating children solely to protect them from MIS-C is not justified.

The article also points out that there is currently no evidence to suggest that the COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing MIS-C. While the vaccines have been shown to be highly effective at preventing severe COVID-19 symptoms and hospitalization, there is no data to suggest that they can prevent MIS-C. Therefore, vaccinating children against COVID-19 solely to protect them from MIS-C would be an unproven and potentially unnecessary measure.

The Importance of Vaccinating Children Against COVID-19

While the article argues against vaccinating children solely to protect them from MIS-C, it does emphasize the importance of vaccinating children against COVID-19 in general. The article notes that vaccinating children can help protect them from severe COVID-19 symptoms, as well as help prevent the spread of the virus to others. Additionally, vaccinating children can help bring an end to the pandemic by increasing overall vaccination rates and reducing the number of people who can spread the virus.

In conclusion, while MIS-C is a serious condition, it does not justify vaccinating children against SARS-CoV-2 solely to protect them from this rare complication. However, vaccinating children against COVID-19 in general is an important measure to protect them from severe symptoms and help bring an end to the pandemic. As more data becomes available, it will be important to continue evaluating the risks and benefits of vaccinating children against COVID-19

Original article Teaser

MIS-C in children does NOT justify (at all!) their vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 | Voice for Science and Solidarity

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) does NOT justify (at all!) their vaccination against SARS-CoV-2MIS-C is a disease that may occur in school-age children two to six weeks after infection with SARS-CoV-2 (SC-2) virus. MIS-C is a post-infectious inflammatory condition which typically occurs after asymptomatic/mild SC-2 infection. Some children may need hospitalization because of inflammatory reactions in different organs. While the syndrome can be serious, the absolute risk for MIS-C is very low (about 6.5 per 100 000 person-years) and known to be increased in boys aged 5-11 years with foreign-born parents, asthma, obesity, and life-limiting condition (https://www.thelancet.com/action/showPdf?pii=S2666-7762%2822%2900137-5).  MIS-C mostly resolves within a few days after timely and adequate (immunosuppressive) treatment. As the pandemic evolves and more infectious Omicron (sub)variants

Details to MIS-C in children does NOT justify (at all!) their vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 | Voice for Science and Solidarity