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Second BNT dose for teens on hold
Health Minister Chen Shih-chung says health officials will make a decision within two weeks whether to allow the administering of second doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT) coronavirus vaccine to people aged between 12 and 17.
The statement comes after the Central Epidemic Command Center's (CECC) plans to begin administering second doses of the vaccine was halted to allow experts to review data on cases of inflammation of the heart muscle and outer lining of the heart.
Such cases have been reported worldwide in recipients of coronavirus vaccines like the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna brands.
The World Health Organization says although the cases are rare, they have occurred more often in adolescent males after receiving the second dose. According to the health minister, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is currently collecting and reviewing data on the side effects of the vaccine and will meet in two weeks to make a final decision on the matter.
The CECC says a total of 1.1-million doses of the BNT vaccine have been administered to people aged between 12 and 17 here in Taiwan, and there have been 17 reported cases of side effects.
