Some countries are still skeptical about whether kids should get the COVID vaccine or not. From measles, polio, rotavirus to multiple strains of meningitis, children are getting their shots. But what about the COVID vaccine?
Several countries have started it, and in the United States, they have already offered shots to around 600,000 kids, aged between 12 to 15. It is expected to offer adequate safety to younger children next year.
In the United Kingdom, they will complete offering shots to the adults at the end of July. But they should begin to give shots to children.
According to the CDC, fewer children have been exposed to viruses which were very few compared to adults. Every 12 years old child can get shots to help protect against the COVID-19 virus.
Can Vaccinating Kids Save Lives?
This question is often asked which is complex to answer and answers may vary from one country to another. The risk of the COVID-19 vaccine is very low.
Prof Adam Finn, who sits on the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination And Immunisation, stated that Fortunately, the COVID-19 virus is very rarely affecting children.
Infection in kids is very mild or asymptomatic, it is quite the opposite for older age groups who are prioritized to get their shots by vaccination campaigns.
Research across seven countries was published in the Lancet, showing that fewer than two out of a million kids died with Coronavirus during the pandemic.
Kids with medical conditions may be at risk of getting a COVID-19 infection from the adults infected in the UK. People at high risk of exposure to the virus and serious outcomes are getting the vaccination, but this could also include older children with critical disabilities in residential care and recommended to be vaccinated.
COVID-19 vaccinations are extremely safe but the benefits and risks should be analyzed.
Some Countries Can Benefit from Vaccinating Children: Here’s Why
If Children get vaccinated, that can save other people’s lives.
One approach was followed for flu in Britain in which British kids aged from 2-12 years were provided with the nasal spray which helped protect their grandparents every year.
There is one ongoing debate over the implementation of the same approach for COVID-19 vaccines that could help save the herding community.
The COVID-19 vaccines are a great option to control the spread of the virus. One dose can help cut the chance of getting infected.
Children aren’t playing any role in spreading the Coronavirus, but older teenagers do.
Risks of Coronavirus in School and Children
There is a possibility for transmission in secondary school children, so vaccination can prevent them from getting infected, stated Dr Adam Kucharki from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
But there is no common answer on whether it is beneficial. The Vaccination Programme conducted in the UK to find adequate immunity to stop the spread of the virus without vaccinating kids.
Over a quarter of children aged between 16-17 years have Coronavirus antibodies in their bodies in England. Hence, they rarely are vaccinated.
Hence, the UK and other countries could discover they have ample immunity to prevent the spread without vaccinating children.
Australia is suffering from vaccine delay, and other countries like New Zealand and Taiwan have controlled the virus spread, so there is no requirement for immunity from infection.
