Teenagers aged 12 to 17 suggested to receive just one shot of BioNTech

The Scientific Committee on Vaccine Preventable Diseases and the Scientific Committee on Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases under the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health (JSC) convened a meeting on Wednesday (Sept. 15), joined by the Chief Executive's expert advisory panel (EAP), to deliberate the use of COVID-19 vaccines in children and adolescents. To balance the risk and benefit in the local setting, the JSC-EAP recommends persons aged 12 to 17 years to receive one dose of the BioNTech vaccine, instead of two doses.

In view of the relevant recommendation, the Department of Health reminded that from Sept. 16 onwards, teenagers aged 12 to 17 who have appointments to receive the second dose of the BioNTech vaccine can opt to cancel the appointment online.

For those with special needs who opt to receive the second dose and turn up at the Community Vaccination Centres (CVC) as scheduled, medical personnel at the CVCs will explain the above recommendation and the relevant risk to them and their guardians before they make the appropriate decision.

Myocarditis or pericarditis are known adverse events of the BioNTech vaccine reported both overseas and locally, with the majority occurred following the second dose in adolescents. Most affected cases will respond well to treatment and can usually return to their normal daily activities after their symptoms improved.

Adolescents and young adults should avoid strenuous exercise for one week after BioNTech vaccination. They should seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms indicative of myocarditis or pericarditis such as acute and persisting chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations following vaccination.

The committees also recommended that the government seek further confirmatory data from the pharmaceutical company with a view to extending the use of the Sinovac vaccine to those aged 12 to 17.

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