Now that the Covid vaccine is being rolled out for adults across the world, there has also been talk of the possibility of a mandatory vaccine for children. This is due to growing concern about the outbreaks of Covid-19 in babies and children, particularly in Brazil. According to a recent article in
NBC News, over two thousand deaths have been reported in children in Brazil. It’s also becoming apparent that children may not be at zero-risk of Covid-19, which has been a common misconception. Trials in children are still underway, and a mandatory vaccine is not quite ready yet.
Although
studies have shown that Covid-19 isn’t as severe in younger children there is still a risk of infection and them spreading the virus. As children get older, this risk becomes higher. Children over the age of twelve and teenagers are more likely to experience Covid symptoms in a similar way to young adults. For this reason, it’s imperative that precautions are taken in schools and recreational facilities. These include social distancing, proper use of face masks, and indoor ventilation. Children also need to be educated in the importance of following these safety protocols.
At the moment, the Pfizer vaccine is the only type officially authorized by the
FDA at a minimum age of sixteen. Trials are being carried out on different types of vaccines to ensure their safety and effectiveness for children.
Moderna has announced pediatric trials from an age as young
as six months. The first phases of the trials are for children between two and twelve, however. It’s likely that older children and teenagers could be vaccinated first, but no minimum age has been determined yet. It could be that pre-school age children are also vaccinated in the future.
Different levels of doses are being tested for different age groups, whereas the composition of the Covid-19 vaccine remains the same. Once the dosage is confirmed, it’s likely that the vaccine will be administered in a similar way to other vaccines for children. For now, it’s early to tell, with extensive clinical trials still underway. Parents can look out for reports on developments of the trials involving children over the coming months.
Schools already mandate certain vaccines for children, for example polio and MMR, which means it’s possible the Covid-19 could also become mandatory. Experts will need to make the decision by weighing up the pros and cons and potential risks. Vaccinating children could help minimize the spread of coronavirus, according to an interview in
Newsweek with Dr. Anthony Fauci director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, but in the US, the decision will ultimately be left up to the states. Fauci has also stated in an interview with
ProPublica, that children as young as first grade may be authorized to be vaccinated as early as September, in time for schools opening.
As we wait for updates on a possible vaccine for children, it’s important to minimize the risk of the spread of Covid-19 in other ways. Children and adults alike need to adhere to social distancing recommendations and wear masks where necessary. If these guidelines are followed it could help to prevent spreading. According to the CDC, cases of Covid-19 in children and younger adults have been on the rise since the summer of 2020. There is, therefore, plenty of research going ahead on a vaccine for children and a focus on raising awareness of other solutions. If you would like further information about health and wellness solutions, find out more today.
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For the latest vaccine advice and updates visit the links below:
UK : https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/immunisation-against-infectious-disease-the-green-book
USA : https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/index.html