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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004018

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: 2024: Is There a Place for Freedom of Choice about Vaccination Based on Messenger RNA?

  AUTHORS: Fabricio Souza Neves

  KEYWORDS: COVID-19, COVID-19 Vaccines, BNT162 Vaccine, SARS-CoV-2, Pediatrics

  JOURNAL NAME: Journal of Biosciences and Medicines, Vol.12 No.10, October 17, 2024

  ABSTRACT: In 2024, COVID-19 vaccination became mandatory in Brazil for children aged 6 months to 4 years. The product available for this purpose is the BNT162b2 messenger RNA, whose potential risks are still not fully known compared to those of immunizations based on other platforms. This study assessed the current short term benefit/risk of BNT162b2 in pediatric population as a basis for discussion about the mandatory use or the freedom of choice on mRNA products in this age group. Methods. The epidemiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome was evaluated in Brazil based on freely available public data in the years 2022 and 2023, in children aged 6 months to 4 years. Results. The number needed to treat (NNT) with BNT162b2 to prevent one death from COVID-19 in this age group ranged from 208,856 to 548,246. The number needed to harm (NNH) of vaccine-associated death can range from 42,373 to 909,090. Conclusions. The results of this study indicate a borderline short-term benefit/risk balance of the BNT162b2 vaccine for the Brazilian population aged 6 months to 4 years. In this scenario, free informed choices regarding the use of mRNA products should be guaranteed for all.