01/07/2021
Effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on children
In general COVID-19 vaccines are released by the health authorities in assurance of the effectiveness of the same through the results of laboratory and clinical testing.
Some countries have given authorization of the vaccine for children at the age group between 12 – 15 years, and the decision for vaccinating kids from 2 years and up, is yet to be made. It has also been reported that side effects seem to be similar in children and adults, and child might notice pain at the injected area, and could experience more tiredness than normal. Headache, achy muscles or joints, and even fever and chills can be expected. These temporary side effects will generally clear up within 48 hours. Fevers seem to be more common in 12 o 15 compared to adults.
It has also been mentioned by another country that children has little benefits from COVID-19 vaccination when compared to adults. But they also assure that by vaccinating children will assure the lives of other people. Studies also states that the children may have antibodies which will infect them again and therefore, it recommends that child who had COVID-19 should be treated again. Younger children could have shown more immune response than older people. It has also mentioned that it is necessary to get physician’s advice prior to vaccinating a child who has severe allergic reaction to any ingredient such as polyethylene glycol in the vaccine. But such allergies are very rare. Premedication or medication after any side effects by parents are not advisable and they should immediately referred the child to the physician.
Dr. John Williams, MD of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburg says that COVID_19 Vaccines are extremely safe in kids, whilst the vaccines are given over hundred million people without adverse effects. As you know vaccines play a major role in the health of babies against diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, rotavirus etc. and as such vaccinated children also contribute to disease control of COVID-19 whilst they are subject to health protection.
It is necessary to realize that the vaccines act on our immune system to create specific antibodies against disease-causing viruses and bacteria or their toxins. Therefore, vaccines control the viruses or bacteria by improving the immunity system in the body. Several types of vaccines in the form of inactivated or weakened virus vaccines, protein-based vaccines, viral vector vaccines and nucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines have been developed to generate immune response in people including children against COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, parents should realize the importance of the effects of vaccination when it comes to keep their children safe against COVID-19 especially because of the hurtling spread of the pandemic in various developments around the world. In view of the above it is utmost necessary to aware of the purpose of vaccination and therefore, update you with the new developments and resources available for you and your children to keep away your fears about vaccination. The health authorities around the globe are alert also about the children’s protection as well, and therefore, it is necessary to realize the importance of vaccination though children show less serious illness than adults. As this is a new disease, the research studies are still in progress to find the outcomes of the same on children as well.
By Wasantha de Silva – 29/06/2021
