Pfizer’s approval for young children was fast-tracked by the European Medical Association, the European Commission and the Sundhedsstyrelsen health authority in a matter of days, but now the drive to vaccinate kids aged 5-11 has skidded to a halt in Greater Copenhagen.
The Capital Region, overwhelmed by the demand that has seen some parents told there are no available times until December 21, has reached out to GPs, and 175 have already responded affirmatively out of a possible 600 in the region.
However, the region cautions that interested parents should not bombard their GPs with enquiries, in case they disrupt the doctors’ normal practice, and instead should consult their GP’s website.
Important to get the kids vaccinated
The GPs have signed up as part of an agreement between the Capital Region and their association, the PLO.
“It is important we get as many vaccinated as possible,” explained Capital Region chair Lars Gaardhøj to DR.
“GPs are used to vaccinating both children and adults. They are good at it and they are located in many places around the region. So I think that both for families with children and perhaps also for the elderly, it is easier to go down to your own doctor.”
Similar agreements are likely to be struck for the other regions, PLO and Danske Regioner inform DR.
GP group cautions public
PLO head Peder Reistad cautions against contacting the GP directly, and to instead check their website.
“We are a little worried that there may be a lot of inquiries clinics with requests for vaccination, and that it may disturb the telephone queues at your doctor, so that the sick cannot get through,” he said.
“If your own doctor does not offer the vaccination, you can get an appointment with a doctor who does.”
Realistic goal is 70 percent of age group
Michael Bang Petersen, a researcher specialising in people’s behaviour during corona, does not think more than 70 percent of the nation’s 5 to 11-year-olds will get vaccinated.
Only 73 percent of those aged 12-15 have so far had the jab.
“It will be difficult to get there,” he said. “We know that the willingness decreases with age.”
