COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids in India: All You Need to Know

Posted on: Mar 17, 2022 | | Written by:

COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids in India: All You Need to Know

Over the last couple of years, the COVID-19 pandemic has made things quite difficult for everyone across the globe. However, thanks to vaccines,it has been possible to check the spread and reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths. After inoculating millions of adults around the country, the Government of India started the vaccination drive for adolescents aged 15-18 years to keep kids safe from the condition too. So, as a parent, you need to get your little ones vaccinated.

While the first wave of the pandemic in India did not affect children, the second and third waves saw a high number of infections in them.This means it is super important to immunize children against the novel coronavirus at the earliest. Apart from the vaccine, a family health insurance policy is equally important for medical emergencies. When you have mediclaim policy, you can opt for timely and quality treatment without burning a hole in your pocket.

Should children and teenagers take the COVID-19 vaccine?

Although many adolescents around the country have taken the jab, some parents are still scared and confused about the probable side effects of the vaccine. But rest assured. As the leading paediatricians and experts from around the world, COVID-19 vaccines for children are safe and effective. Hence, children and teenagers should be vaccinated to check the spread. While most children with COVID-19 infection exhibit mild symptoms, severe infection, prolonged hospitalisation and multiple inflammatory syndrome(MIS-C) cannot be ruled out.And children also end up infecting other family members and those who are at a higher risk of severe infection.

Are children eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines?

In India, children between 15 and 18 years of age are eligible to take the COVID-19 vaccine.The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in India has approved five COVID-19 vaccines– Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, Serum Institute’s Covovax, Zydus Cadila’s ZyCov-D, Biological E’s RBD and Johnson & Johnson’s Ad.26 COV.2S vaccine. However, only Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin is being administered to children less than 18 years of age.The vaccine is safe, easily tolerated and immunogenic in kids. According to Bharat Biotech, Covaxin even showed a better response in kids than in adults. Till date, over 3 crore adolescents between 15-18 years of age are fully vaccinated against the novel coronavirus in the country.

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for kids and adolescents

Kids aged between 15 and 18 years in India are being administered shots of Covaxin. This is a 2-dose vaccine, and the second dose is administered after 4-6 weeks from the date when the first dose is administered.

To take the vaccine, the eligible must register on the Co-WIN portal and book an appointment at the nearby vaccination centre. Children can use the existing Co-WIN accounts of their parents for online registration. They must carry their student ID card or any other ID proof to the vaccination centre to take the jab.

Adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on children

There are no adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine on kids. A low-grade fever, headache, body ache, fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, chills and pain at the site of injection are common in the first 2-3 days after vaccination. Most of these side effects usually subside without any medication. However, in case fever or body pain persists, children can be given paracetamol or a pain killer only after consulting a physician. Adequate rest, sleep and hydration are important after vaccination. Do not worry about the side effects much, since it happens as the body builds protection against the virus.

Things you must know about the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 14 years

India is yet to start the vaccination drive for kids aged between 5 and 14 years. According to the Union Health Minister of India, Mr Mansukh Mandaviya, the COVID-19 vaccination drive for children aged between 5 to 14 years will also start soon, once the Centre receives recommendations from experts.

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccines for kids are safe and well-tolerated. Taking the vaccine is equally important for kids as it is for adults, to check the spread and stay safe from severe infection. Hence, make sure you get your child vaccinated as soon as you can. Also, take a family health insurance policy and keep yourself and your loved ones covered against medical emergencies. The health plans in India cover COVID-19 treatment as well and can come in quite handy for availing the best treatment without fretting about bills.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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