‘Demand transparency before getting kids jabbed’

Maya Valecha

With the launch of vaccines for the age-group of 15-18 years, Awaken India Movement has initiated a campaign to create awareness about informed consent for Covid-19 vaccine for children. An open letter is being circulated online by several concerned citizens attached to the movement.

"Informed consent is the bedrock principle on which most of modern research ethics rest. It would be very beneficial if we, along with your involvement, insist on transparency regarding Covid-19 vaccine safety data, list of ingredients, their side-effects and advisory on contraindications, with reference to all immunisation/medical intervention/testing methods, as part of the medical informed consent process.

This is a necessary requisite, as we receive news of large numbers of children across the globe, who have already lost their lives to the Covid-19 vaccines," states the letter, which provides links to several research journals and news reports for readers' understanding. The idea is that more parents start demanding transparency before getting their kids jabbed.

Speaking with mid-day, Dr Maya Valecha from Awaken India Movement, a gynaecologist from Gujarat, said, "According to latest sero surveys, all children in India have been exposed to it, and almost all of them have acquired natural immunity, which is robust and long lasting. Then why should we hurry with vaccinating children?"