At present, in the current situation of COVID-19 in Thailand, almost 100% of the main pathogenic virus strains are the Omicron strain. Compared to the epidemic when the Delta virus was the dominant strain. There are clear epidemiological differences. especially in pediatric patients, ie, in outbreaks of delta strains. Approximately 14 percent of all cases were found in children under 18 years of age. But at present, for the outbreak of Omicron virus strains We found pediatric patients infected and sick with COVID-19. clearly more number
from the information from the Department of Disease Control Ministry of Health It found that from the beginning of the year until February 16, 2022, approximately 21.5 percent of all cases of children under the age of 18 were infected with COVID-19. This represents a markedly higher proportion compared to outbreaks in the delta range. and when analyzing in depth It found that the number of infected people were school-aged children between the ages of 6-12 years, compared to the COVID-19 outbreak. from the previous species, including the Alpha species. and delta species Due to many factors such as
- Omicron strains are highly contagious and highly contagious. Therefore, there are higher outbreaks in the family.
- During the outbreak of the Omicron strain virus Most of the schools started to open On-Site classes, so there was an infection from teachers. or friends in class
- Most children under 12 years old in Thailand have not been vaccinated against COVID-19. Or have not received 2 vaccines, so may not have enough immunity to prevent infection with Omicron strains.
The need for vaccination against COVID-19 in children
Even if children who are infected and sick with COVID-19 Most are asymptomatic. or mild symptoms compared to adults and the elderly and has a lower mortality rate. But it’s important to be aware that COVID-19 infection in children can cause serious complications. fatal If the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment are not obtained, The two main complications are:
- Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C (Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children). 6 weeks, caused by the body’s immune system to fight the virus that causes COVID-19. But such immunity in some children may be too high. until causing inflammation of many organs in the body Signs and symptoms of MIS-C include fever, body rash, red eyes, red lips, dryness and cracking, enlarged lymph nodes. Some may experience abnormalities in the cardiovascular system, nervous system, respiratory system. including the digestive system as well In some children, the symptoms can be very severe and life-threatening.
- Long-Covid, a complication of COVID-19 chronic and long-term that can occur in children, adolescents, adults and the elderly This condition usually occurs three months after the patient has recovered from COVID-19. The symptoms found vary widely in each patient, such as tiredness, fatigue, headache, and difficulty breathing. Shortness of breath, changes in taste and smell, etc. Most of the symptoms are chronic. for more than 2 months in a row
Therefore, although children who are sick with COVID-19 There is usually a mild illness at the time of infection. But it can lead to serious complications that can be fatal. If the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment are not obtained, Therefore, the way to prevent these children from developing such serious complications of COVID-19 is to get them vaccinated against COVID-19. To strengthen the body’s immune system that can prevent diseases and complications of severe diseases.
Types of vaccines against COVID-19 For children aged 5-11.9 years used in Thailand
The current vaccine against COVID-19 that has been approved and certified by the Food and Drug Administration of Thailand Recommended for use for children aged 5-11.9 years. There are 2 types:
- The mRNA vaccine is the orange cap Pfizer vaccine. It is different from the purple cap Pfizer vaccine used in adolescents and adults. The orange cap Pfizer vaccine contains 10 micrograms per dose. The Pfizer purple cap vaccine contains 30 micrograms per dose. The Pfizer orange cap vaccine is currently approved for use in children ages 5-11.9.
- inactivated vaccine Currently, there are two types of vaccines in Thailand, Sinovac or CoronaVac and Sinopharm vaccines, both of which can be administered in children. At doses equivalent to that used in adolescents and adults, 3 mcg/dose of Sinovac vaccine and 4 mcg/dose for Sinopharm. Sinovac and Sinopharm vaccines are currently approved for use in children 6 years of age and older.
Covid-19 vaccine formula For children aged 5-11.9
Currently vaccinated against COVID-19 main course or primary course For children aged 5-11.9 years recommended by the Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand Pediatric Infectious Disease Association of Thailand And the Ministry of Public Health is an mRNA vaccine, or Pfizer vaccine, orange cap, which is administered intramuscularly in two doses, 8 weeks apart, because of data from previous research studies. It was found that vaccinations 8-12 weeks apart were more effective at boosting immunity than vaccinations 3-4 weeks apart.
For parents who may have concerns about mRNA vaccination, an alternative vaccination regimen can be selected. or cross-formula vaccine, that is, starting with the first dose of inactivated vaccine This may be the Sinovac vaccine or the Sinopharm vaccine, followed by the mRNA vaccine, the orange cap Pfizer vaccine, as the second dose. by intramuscular injection 4 weeks apart
For children aged 5-11.9 years who have received two doses of an inactivated vaccine such as Sinovac or Sinopharm vaccine, this vaccine is considered a safe and effective vaccine to boost immunity against the virus that causes COVID-19. The original breed was fine. But it may not be enough to cover omicron species. Therefore, the current recommendation is that children in this group should receive a third dose of Pfizer orange cap vaccine at the end of one month after the second dose of the inactivated vaccine in order to boost their immunity. and can fight against Omicron strains of virus
Children at risk of 7 chronic diseases that should be vaccinated
For children with seven chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. chronic respiratory disease chronic kidney disease, cancer, immunodeficiency states cerebrovascular disease including children with slow development genetic disease and severe neurological disorders Advise parents to take them to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible, because if there is an infection Severe disease or life-threatening complications can occur.
If I’m infected with COVID-19, do I need to get vaccinated?
For advice on vaccination against COVID-19 In children who have already had COVID-19, it depends on when they were sick with COVID-19. How many doses of vaccination has been given to the child?
- If a child has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 before, two orange cap doses of Pfizer vaccine are recommended 8 weeks apart, starting with the first dose at 12 weeks from the date of onset of illness or results. infection detected
2. If a child has already received 1 dose of vaccination, it is recommended to have another dose of vaccination at 12 weeks after the onset of symptoms or the result of infection.
3. If a child has received 2 doses of vaccination and has been infected with COVID-19 later, at present there is no recommendation for a third dose of vaccination (as of March 15, 2022).
Side effects after vaccination against COVID-19
The adverse reactions and adverse reactions following vaccination against COVID-19 in children aged 5-11.9 years were observed as with other vaccinations. Therefore, it is imperative that the child be observed for 30 minutes after vaccination at the hospital in order to watch for possible hypersensitivity to the vaccine or to the components of the vaccine. In addition, pain, swelling, redness, heat at the injection site or fever, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting may occur after vaccination. These symptoms are usually mild and can go away on their own. Myocardial infarction that can be found after mRNA vaccination, according to foreign reports. Found that often found in boys. Following the second vaccination in Thailand, there are very few reports. However, children are advised to refrain from vigorous physical activity or physical activity during the 1 week after vaccination In addition, parents should note that if a child has chest pains. easily tired or syncope for unknown reasons during that time should be taken to the doctor immediately This may be a symptom of myocardial infarction following vaccination.
Procedure for obtaining a vaccine against COVID-19 in children
due to the COVID-19 vaccine for that child The government has allocated and distributed vaccines mainly through educational institutions. Therefore, if parents wish to have their children vaccinated. can contact and coordinate with the class teacher Or the school of your child directly. At present, approximately 26% of children in the age group of 5-11.9 years nationwide have received their first dose of vaccine (as of March 15, 2022).
Therefore, in order to prevent your children from getting sick with COVID-19 especially the Omicron species, which are very contagious. Taking your child to get vaccinated against COVID-19 types currently available It is an important method of preventing disease.
Information provided by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tawitiya Sucharirak