The Academy of Medicine opposes the integration of the 3rd dose in the health pass – The HuffPost

JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN via AFP

The Academy of Medicine is opposed to the idea being considered by the government to condition health pass to a third dose of anti-Covid vaccine, which she says “goes beyond” the role of this document.

This measure “transgresses the role of the health pass which was to limit the risk of transmission of the virus and to encourage the population to be vaccinated”, estimated the Academy of Medicine in a press release published this Friday, October 29.

“It induces some uncertainty on the effectiveness of vaccination and gives rise to unjustified discrimination against the most vulnerable people who have already agreed to receive the first two doses of vaccine”, continues the instance.

The booster (which is most often a third dose) is now intended for the oldest or frail people, particularly at risk of developing a severe form of Covid.

While underlining the “merits” of this recall because of a drop in immunity six months after the second dose, the Academy wonders: “Should we use the constraint vis-à-vis this? sensitized population who, for the most part, will spontaneously consent to receive the vaccination booster? Shouldn’t the incentives target first and foremost all those who have not yet been vaccinated, including 20% ​​of adults? ”

Other opinions expected

The government is waiting for scientific recommendations before deciding on whether or not to include the booster in the health pass.

He asked the High Authority for Health (HAS), the steering committee for the vaccine strategy and the scientific council for their opinion.

The Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, indicated on Tuesday October 26 that these opinions should reach “in a few days”.

The Academy of Medicine, whose opinions are not binding, has for mission to answer the questions of the government in the field of health, in order to shed light on it. It can also issue opinions without having been requested beforehand.