Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Cuba Starts Giving Kids 2 And Older Covid Shots
AP: Cuba Begins Vaccinating Children As Young As 2
Sitting on her mother’s lap, 2-year-old Lucía looked at the illustrations in her book while around her several children watched the doctors in white coats and nurses with thermometers in amazement. In an adjoining room, Danielito, also 2, sniffled while getting a shot as a clown tried to distract him. Cuba on Thursday began a massive vaccination campaign for children between the ages of 2 and 10, becoming one of the first nations to do so. Health officials here say Cuba’s homegrown vaccines have been found safe to give to young children. (Rodriguez, 9/17)
AP: Cambodia Vaccinating 6-To-11-Year-Olds Before Schools Reopen
Cambodia began vaccinating 6-to-11-year-olds Friday so students can safely return to schools that have been closed for months due to the coronavirus. Prime Minister Hun Sen inaugurated the campaign to vaccinate the children, speaking live on state television and his Facebook page as his grandchildren and young family members of other senior officials were shown being given their jabs. (Cheang, 9/16)
Reuters: Brazil Official Wants Halt To Teen COVID-19 Shots After Death; Health Agency Says No Evidence For Move
Brazil's federal government wants to halt COVID-19 vaccinations for most adolescents, citing a death under investigation and adverse events after some 3.5 million teens have already been immunized, but several state governments vowed to press on. At a news conference, Health Minister Marcelo Queiroga criticized states and cities for jumping the gun by vaccinating 12- to 17-year-olds without health issues that put them at risk of severe COVID-19, which he said was only supposed to start on Wednesday. (9/16)
In other global covid news —
Bloomberg: Italy Introduces Sweeping Covid Pass Mandate In EU First
Italy will require all workers to have a valid Covid passport, as the government led by Prime Minister Mario Draghi moves to set the toughest vaccination requirements in Europe. A cabinet meeting Thursday approved the measure, which applies to all public and private-sector workers and will come into force Oct. 15. Workers faces fines of as much as 1,500 euros ($1,763) for noncompliance, while employers who fail to check their workers may have to pay as much as 1,000 euros. (Albanese, 9/16)
Reuters: Dutch To Introduce 'Corona' Pass Despite Strong Opposition
The Netherlands will require proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test for entry to bars, restaurants, museums, theatres and other cultural events from Sept. 25, as almost all social distancing measures are dropped. A narrow majority of Dutch parliament late on Thursday rejected a motion calling on the government to change its mind about the 'corona' pass, as Prime Minister Mark Rutte said it was needed to prevent a new wave of infections. (9/17)
AP: Trial Begins Over COVID Outbreak In Austrian Ski Resort
A civil trial opened Friday in Austria over the government’s handling of a coronavirus outbreak at an Alpine ski resort during the early stages of the pandemic that relatives say resulted in unnecessary infections and deaths. The widow and son of a 72-year-old Austrian man are seeking about 100,000 euros ($117,000) compensation from the government in a test case for a larger class action suit involving hundreds of people who fell ill with COVID-19 following a trip to Ischgl in February and March 2020. (9/17)
The Washington Post: As World Leaders Gather In New York For U.N. General Assembly, A Vaccine Mandate Creates Confusion And Dissent
The debate unfolding around the world over coronavirus vaccine mandates is playing out on a small scale at United Nations headquarters ahead of a meeting of dozens of world leaders in New York next week. New York City officials have requested that heads of states, and the many diplomats traveling with them, show proof that they are fully vaccinated before entering the U.N. hall for the annual opening of the General Assembly, one of the top diplomatic events of the year. (Francis and Taylor, 9/16)
In other developments —
CNN: Philip Morris International Takes Control Of Asthma Inhaler Maker Vectura
Cigarette giant Philip Morris International has taken control of UK inhaler maker Vectura despite objections from health care charities. The producer of Marlboro and Parliament cigarettes said in a statement on Thursday that it had secured nearly 75% of Vectura's shares, making it the majority shareholder. More than 45% of Vectura shareholders accepted the takeover offer, and Philip Morris international purchased 29% of the company's shares on the open market. (Riley, 9/16)
Bloomberg: Guinea Declares End To Outbreak Of Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever
Guinea declared an end to an outbreak of Marburg fever, as it continues to search for the origin of a case reported last month. After six weeks of surveillance of 173 people who had contact with a person who died from the disease, no suspect cases were found, Health Ministry Secretary-General Sekou Conde said in a statement Thursday. An awareness campaign is continuing to ensure the public takes precautionary measures against contracting the illness, he said. (Camara, 9/16)
