Covid-19 vaccination roll-out among students is under way in Khanh Hoa Province to help children stay safe before the start of the new school year...
Covid-19 vaccination roll-out among students is under way in Khanh Hoa Province to help children stay safe before the start of the new school year, according to Dr. Ton That Toan, Deputy Director of Khanh Hoa Center for Disease Control.
Covid-19 vaccination for kids aged 5 to under 12 is very important as it can protect children against severe illness. Since September 2021, the vaccination coverage among kids aged 5 to under 12 have grown steadily in developed countries. 8,237,700 kids aged 5 to under 12 have received the first dose, accounting for 72.5%, with over 4,639,550, making up 40.7%, administered with the second.
Although the risk of children becoming severely ill with SARS-CoV-2 is lower than other age groups, some still experience its complications and long-term effects known as post Covid-19 conditions or long Covid, especially among kids with underlying medical conditions. Besides, since the emergence of Omicron variant, Covid-19 cases among children are rising again, especially among the unvaccinated.
Therefore, vaccination helps prevent children from getting seriously sick if they do get Covid-19 and reduce the risk of transmission to others, especially old people with underlying medical conditions. In addition, getting vaccinated gives children greater confidence to participate in group activities.
Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are authorized by the Ministry of Health for kids aged 5 to under 12. Moderna (0.25 ml/ dose) and Pfizer (0.2 ml/ dose) are used for the age group. The doses are 4 weeks apart. The vaccines are safe for children with some common side effects.
Children are advised to remain at vaccination sites within at least 30 minutes after vaccination to watch for any allergic reactions. The children should continue to be monitored for 28 days, especially the first 3 days after getting vaccinated.
By August 23, nearly 94,000 kids aged 5 to under 12 received the first dose, accounting for 67%, including more than 42,550, making up 30.4% administered with the second.
Covid-19 is still a global pandemic. Together with mask use and disinfection, vaccination has proved to be critical in the prevention against Covid-19. Therefore, parents are advised to get their kids vaccinated against Covid-19 soon.
T.L
Translated by N.T
