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Brasilia, December 27 (RHC)-- The former president of Brazil and presidential candidate, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, questioned this Sunday the opinion of the current Minister of Health that discourages vaccinating minors against the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Minister of Health makes an absurd statement that sounds like Herod, while creating obstacles for the vaccination of children," said former President Lula.  At the same time, Lula da Silva urged the current Bolsonaro administration to abide by the recommendations of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa).   "The president of Anvisa is right to want to protect the institution, science and children from the pandemic, respecting common sense," he said.

Lula's statement comes after the Minister of Health, Marcelo Queiroga, indicated that there is no "hurry" to vaccinate children between five and 11 years of age against the coronavirus pandemic.  The official based his decision on the fact that deaths due to the disease caused by the Sars-Cov2 virus are supposedly few to take urgent decisions.

Queiroga underlined that this is beneficial for the Ministry to make a decision based on quality scientific evidence, in terms of safety, efficacy and effectiveness.

These declarations of the minister were made after the Health Surveillance Agency of that country (Anvisa) authorized, last December 16, the use of anti-covirus vaccines in children between five and 11 years of age.