A judge in Uruguay on Thursday ordered the “immediate suspension” of vaccination of children against COVID-19 until the contracts between the government and the Pfizer laboratory and the “composition of substances” contained in the product are published.
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The suspension, which affects children under the age of 13, is in effect until “all contracts to purchase these vaccines” and documents “indicating the composition of the substances to be administered” are fully published, Judge Alejandro Recarey said in his decision.
The latter, who serves as an assistant judge in an administrative court, followed a “application for protection” filed by a lawyer aimed at suspending the administration of the vaccine to children. This vaccination is allowed in the country on a voluntary basis from the age of five.
The government of conservative President Luis Lacalle Pou has announced that it will appeal the decision.
According to the judge, it is necessary to provide “those responsible for vaccinated minors” with a document “in which they can fully and clearly explain” the content of the injections, their benefits and the risks involved, “indicating their nature, their likelihood , extent” and “impairments already identified” in full.
The contract between the Uruguayan government and the American laboratory Pfizer for the supply of vaccines has not been made public in the South American country of 3.5 million people.
Ahead of Thursday’s ruling, the government questioned Judge Recaray’s impartiality, noting that he had previously “expressed his opinion on the issue” of the COVID-19 vaccination.
The Ministry of Health said on Twitter on Thursday that the country’s vaccination campaign was based “on the basis of available scientific evidence”.