infectious disease pediatrician Faculty of Medicine CMU advises parents to rush their children to get vaccinated against COVID-19 Emphasize it’s the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The omikron strain is easy to contact. And is currently spreading, pointing out that children aged 5-11 years are vaccinated against COVID-19. The first dose has been 28% nationwide (as of March 15, 2022), and children with seven congenital diseases should be vaccinated as soon as possible.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tawitiya Sucharirak, M.D., Lecturer of Infectious Diseases Department of Pediatrics Faculty of Medicine Chiang Mai University said that the situation of COVID-19 in Thailand now Nearly 100% of the main strains causing the outbreak were the omikron strain. by data from the Department of Disease Control Ministry of Health It was found that from the beginning of 2022 to February 16, up to 21.5% of all infected children were infected with COVID-19. It is also found that the proportion of infections in school-aged children aged 6-12 years is increasing. With omikron, it is a highly contagious species. therefore causing an outbreak within the family primarily And many educational institutions are starting to open on-site, so there may be infection within the school as well. In addition, most children at this age have not been vaccinated with 2 doses of vaccine, resulting in an outbreak of COVID-19. in more children during this time Although most children with COVID-19 There will be no symptoms or mild symptoms. and has a low mortality rate compared to the elderly But serious complications may occur. fatal If the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment are not obtained, The two complications that can be seen are pediatric multiple system inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and chronic complication (Long COVID).
The current vaccine against COVID-19 For children aged 5-11 years that have been registered and approved by the Food and Drug Administration of Thailand, there are 2 groups: mRNA vaccine, Pfizer vaccine (orange cap), and inactivated vaccine, Sinovae vaccine. c and Sino Farm Vaccines Which has been registered for use in children 6 years and older by the main vaccine formula for children 5-11 years recommended by the Royal College of Pediatricians of Thailand. Pediatric Infectious Disease Association of Thailand And the Ministry of Public Health at this time is the Pfizer vaccine (orange cap) 2 injections intramuscular injection 8 weeks apart for the alternative vaccine. (for children aged 6 years and over) is a cross-formula vaccine. who gave the first dose of Sinovacac or Sinofarm vaccine This is followed by the Pfizer vaccine (orange cap) as a second dose four weeks apart for parents who may be concerned about mRNA vaccination.
For children who have received two doses of inactivated vaccines such as Sinovac or Sinofarm 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 the omikron species. Therefore, the current recommendation is that children in this group should receive their third dose of Pfizer vaccine (orange cap) at the end of one month after the second dose of lethal injection in order to boost their immunity as much as possible.”
Lecturer in infectious disease department added that “As for children with chronic diseases, 7 groups of chronic diseases It is advisable to get vaccinated as soon as possible. because if there is an infection Severe disease or life-threatening complications such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease can occur. chronic respiratory disease chronic kidney disease, cancer, immunodeficiency states cerebrovascular disease including children with slow development genetic disease and severe neurological disorders
For children who have already been diagnosed with COVID-19 if they have not been vaccinated before. Two doses of Pfizer (orange cap) vaccination are recommended starting at 12 weeks from the date of onset of symptoms or results of infection. If you’ve had one dose of vaccination before you get sick, it’s recommended that you get another dose of vaccination at 12 weeks after the onset of symptoms or the result of infection. As for children who have completed 2 doses of vaccination and are later infected with COVID-19, there is currently no recommendation for a third dose of vaccination.
The following side effects and adverse reactions after vaccination against COVID-19 in children aged 5-11 years were observed, as were other vaccinations. Therefore, it is imperative that the child be observed for 30 minutes after the injection at a medical facility. In addition, the child may experience pain, swelling, redness, heat at the injection site, or fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve. myself Myocarditis reported after mRNA vaccination was rarely reported. However, it is recommended that children refrain from vigorous physical activity or strenuous activity for one week after vaccination.
Parents who want their children to be vaccinated against COVID-19 can notify the school where you are studying by expressing consent to vaccination To prevent your child from getting sick with COVID-19 especially the Omicron species, which are very contagious. Taking your child to the vaccines that are currently available It is the best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
