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Introduction
There is a fear of the third wave of COVID-19 in India due to the emergence of the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The initial research about the Omicron variant reveals that the virus has a high transmission with a high reproductive number. It is approximately 100% more transmissible than the original virus and over 36% more transmissible than delta. Furthermore, a study reported that it evades about 64% of the immunity acquired from previous infection or immunization. However, the vaccine is currently the most effective method to prevent or significantly reduce the devastating effect due to a possible third wave.
You can receive Covid vaccine for children in Old Airport Road Bangalore at Manipal Hospital equipped with top-class technologies and equipment and have one of the best pediatricians in Bangalore who has extensive experience in diagnosing & treating young children.
Vaccinating Young People Between 15-18 Years In India
The Indian Prime Minister, on December 25, 2021, has announced the vaccination of children between the ages 15 years to 18 years. The vaccination program for children will start on January 3 2022. It will help reduce the anxiety of those who are concerned about the health of their school-going children. The Prime Minister further announced the third or precaution dose to the healthcare professionals and people over the age of 60 years who are suffering from comorbidities. A vaccination drive for precaution dose initiates from January 10 2022. Several studies have confirmed that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective in children in fighting against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
Why Is Vaccination Important In Children?
There are several advantages of COVID-19 vaccination in children. Some of them are:
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Protection from COVID-19: The primary aim of the COVID-19 vaccine in children is to protect them from contracting the disease by enhancing their immunity against the virus. Vaccinating children between the ages of 15 to 18 could be the first step in preventing all age group children from COVID-19.
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Reducing the disease severity: As witnessed in adults, the COVID-19 vaccine in children reduces disease severity in case of COVID-19 infection. Although the incidence of illness in children is significantly less than in adults, cases of highly severe infection are also reported in children.
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Achieving herd immunity: Mass vaccination is essential in managing the highly contagious SARS-CoV-2 virus. Researchers believe that India would have herd immunity when most of the population have antibodies against COVID-19. The herd immunity would be through both the immunity acquired due to infection and through vaccination (hybrid immunity). As a low per cent of children are contracted with the disease, vaccinating them may help achieve herd immunity.
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Improve social functioning: Children were also confined at home due to the closure of schools and colleges. It significantly affected mental health as well as social well-being. Vaccination may allow the children to attend schools with little risk. International travel, for tourism and academic purpose, is another consideration.
Registering For Covid-19 Vaccine
Presently, the Ministry of Health, India, has given only 'Covaxin' to the beneficiaries between the ages of 15 to 18 years. The guidelines issued by the Ministry indicate that the beneficiaries may either register themselves with the existing Co-Win account of their parents or can register themselves by creating a new account with a unique mobile number. Children who do have the facility for online registration may also avail the facility of on-site registration. The appointment for vaccination can be online or on-site. Similar to adults, the vaccination is free at government vaccination centres and will be provided with a fee at private hospitals or vaccination centres.
Countries With Covid-19 Vaccination Approved In Children
India has joined the list of several countries that have initiated COVID-19 vaccination in children. Canada was the first country to approve the COVID-19 vaccine in children aged 12-15 years, followed by the US. The other countries with vaccination approval in children are the UK, South Korea, Italy, France, Thailand and Germany. Research is ongoing in several countries for determining the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine in children of lower age groups. Bahrain has approved the vaccine in children between 3 and 11 years.
Don’t delay, visit the best child care hospital in Bangalore and get your child vaccinated as early as possible.
Consultant - Paediatrics
Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, Bangalore
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