Giving the COVID-19 vaccine to children not only protects children from Corona virus infection, but is also important to prevent children from transmitting it to susceptible adults. That way, the chain of transmission of the Corona virus can be broken.
Cases of Corona virus infection in children are starting to increase. Symptoms experienced by children are usually mild, but can also be fatal. To reduce the risk of children being infected with the Corona virus and break the chain of transmission, it is necessary to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to children.
Why isn't there a COVID-19 vaccine for children yet?
The rise of COVID-19 cases in children has made most research institutions and vaccine manufacturers vying to speed up clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines.
However, for various reasons, children have not been included in the vaccine testing process. Some of these reasons include:
1. The risk of COVID-19 in children
Adults are more susceptible to the Corona virus than children. Symptoms or complications of COVID-19 experienced by adults are generally more severe.
However, that does not mean children can be immune to exposure to this virus. Children are also at risk of infection and can even experience serious complications from COVID-19.
2. Child's immune system
The immune system of children is different from that of adults. This makes the dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for children not the same as the dose of the vaccine for adults.
3. Parental permission
Children are not yet able to make their own decisions. Therefore, permission and approval from parents is needed if researchers want to conduct vaccine trials on children.
4. Vaccine effectiveness and safety
Researchers want to ensure that the COVID-19 vaccine given to adults is effective and safe before being injected into children. Therefore, more studies and data are needed to start the process of researching and testing COVID-19 vaccines for children.
When Will a COVID-19 Vaccine for Children Be Available?
In September 2020, Pfizer became the first company to involve children ages 12–15 in a COVID-19 vaccine trial. Not only Pfizer, Moderna has also tested the COVID-19 vaccine on children aged 12–17 years.
Currently, the government through BPOM has approved the administration of the Sinovac vaccine to children aged 12-17 years. However, for children under the age of 12 years, the vaccine cannot be given.
More research is needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine for children under the age of 12 before this vaccine can be widely used.
While waiting for the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine for children aged less than 12 years, parents can take precautions by always implementing health protocols and reminding children to apply them too. In addition, as much as possible avoid taking children outside the home.
If you still have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for children, don't hesitate to consult a doctor. You can also directly contact the health department or the nearest medical service provider from your home.
