Vaccinations for Kids: All You Need To Know

• Jan 06
• COVID Vaccination

Despite the lack of vaccination, the Centre has been cautious so far, citing the high prevalence of antibodies in the under-18 population. Despite the fact that kids have escaped the worst effects of the pandemic, Omicron's heightened transmissibility has increased disease risks.

Covid-19 vaccines are considered safe for most people aged 18 and up, including those with pre-existing conditions such as autoimmune disorders, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver, and kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled, according to the World Health Organization.

Should Children or Teenagers Get Vaccinated Against Covid-19?

Children and teenagers have a milder version of the disease than adults. They are, nevertheless, still a vulnerable host as they have not been vaccinated. They may have a less severe/mild condition, but they can still spread the infection. Since the elderly and young adult population has already been vaccinated or had a natural infection, it is the best time to vaccinate the venerable individuals. Priority should be given to children with comorbidities such as Chemotherapy, steroids, congenital heart, lung, and liver disorders during vaccination, followed by the general population who are at lower risk of severe disease.

Side Effects:

Side effects like redness at the injection site, arm discomfort, body ache, fever, lethargy, and drowsiness from the vaccination shot were identical to those reported by adults. Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) are short-term side effects that usually last two to three days.

Are Kids More Vulnerable Than Adults?

After the central government launched a vaccination program for youngsters, NTAGI claimed the move was backed by data showing that 75 per cent of children's fatalities occurred between the ages of 15 and 18.

According to WHO, children have a milder type of Covid-19 across all variants. Data from December to October 2021 shows roughly 2% of all Covid-19 cases were recorded in children under the age of five and accounts for 0.1 per cent of all Covid-19 deaths.

Cases account for 7% of cases in the 5-14 age group, with deaths accounting for 0.1 per cent. The ages 15-24 accounted for 15% of all cases and 0.4% of deaths.

How does it help?

Vaccination of youngsters is viewed as an enabler for both the age group and society as a whole. Vaccination has been effective in reducing the incidence of disease spread and severity. Children who have been vaccinated may be able to return to school since Covid-19 has had a negative impact on studies and learning.

Though children have experienced lower symptoms, unvaccinated children could be equally effective transmitters of SARS-CoV-2. As a result, the senior members of the family are at a higher risk of getting Covid if not vaccinated.

Here are some key aspects to keep in mind as India embarks on a new phase in its fight against COVID-19.

• Anyone born in 2007 or earlier is eligible to participate in the vaccination drive.

• Moreover 6.35 lakh children aged 15 to 18 had registered on the CoWin website to begin receiving vaccinations on Monday.

• The Covaxin vaccine, developed by Bharat Biotech, will be given to eligible children in two doses, 28 days apart.

Authored by Dr. Yogesh Kumar Gupta is a Pediatrician in Fortis Bannerghatta, Bangalore