AMA’s journal – MJA – looking at children and the pandemic

As vaccination of 5-11-year olds rolls out this month, the Medical Journal of Australia examines some of the broader issues of COVID-19 and children.

Issues around COVID-19 and children, including vaccination, are among the important issues the AMA’s journal, the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) has highlighted in its articles so far in 2022.

"Potential indirect impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on children" reviews existing literature on the impacts of pandemics on children and offers suggestions as to how the needs of Australian children might best be met.

"Vaccination of young people from 12 years of age for COVID‐19 against parents’ wishes” explores the ethical considerations which the authors argue provide the basis for doctors to vaccinate children who are over the age of twelve, when the child’s parents do not consent to do so.

These issues are further explored in the MJA's podcast this week, "MJA Podcasts 2022 Episode 2: Ethics of vaccinating children 12 years and over against their parents’ wishes, with Professor John Massie".

The MJA has continued to see its impact factor rise the past five years becoming one of the top 17 medical journals globally.

Under the leadership of Chief-Editor Laureate Professor Nick Talley the MJA has become the leading choice for medical researchers and publishers to share important research with peers across the globe.

Professor Talley was last year awarded the AMA's highest award, the Gold Medal, in recognition of his services to medicine, including the MJA.

“As a result of Professor Talley’s leadership and drive, the latest vital information about the novel and emerging COVID-19 pandemic was presented in a scientifically rigorous way to inform clinicians so we could take up the fight on the frontline armed with the latest insights,” Dr Khorshid said on the award.