Top Myths about COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids Debunked

Posted on: Mar 17, 2022 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Top Myths about COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids Debunked

In India, the novel coronavirus vaccines are now available to adolescents in the age group of 15-18 years. Starting from January 3rd, 2022, as many as 4 crore children in the country have received their first dose. The vaccination program for kids aged 12-14 years is also expected to start soon enough. Although the vaccination drive for kids is going on in full swing, many parents have questions and concerns regarding the jab. While some fear the side effects, others feel that COVID-19 infection is usually mild in children and taking the vaccine is not worth the risk.

Considering the myths associated with the vaccine, many paediatricians and experts have come forward to bust them. It is important to understand that the pandemic is not over yet andgetting vaccinated is important to stay safe and check the spread. In addition to this, buyingmedical insuranceis important in these uncertain times. In case of a medical emergency, the policyholder can avail the best treatment possible without worrying about the expenses.

Some common COVID-19 vaccine myths busted by the experts are:

Myth 1: COVID-19 vaccine is not safe for children

Fact: The novel coronavirus vaccines for children are both safe and effective. They have been reviewed and evaluated thoroughly by experts. They are also authorised by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), so there is no reason to worry. Although developed quickly, the vaccines have successfully completed all phases of clinical trials and safety checks. They are licensed only after checking all the safety data. They do have mild side effects, like body pain and fever, but these usually go away in a few days.

Myth 2: It is safer for a child to develop immunity by contracting COVID-19 than by receiving the vaccination

Fact: It is not safe to expose anyone to the virus. The infection has many symptoms and side effects that last for many days. There are cases when some individuals had to deal with a long COVID-19 infection that lasted for months. The virus can harm the lungs, brain, heart and other organs and lead to many health issues. Although the symptoms are milder in most children, the infection can cause weakness and other long-termsymptoms. COVID-19 infection can also lead to prolonged hospitalisation, multiple inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) and death in children. Hence, everyone should take the vaccine and follow all COVID-19 protocols to stay safe.

Myth 3: COVID-19 vaccine can take a toll on a child’s fertility in the future

Fact: Till date, there is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine can cause male or female fertility issues. Also, there is no evidence that the ingredients of the vaccine or the antibodies developed thereafter affect puberty or pregnancy. As per experts, the vaccine will not make it difficult for women to become pregnant in the future. On the contrary, vaccine is important for kids to lead a healthy life. Many professional medical organisations around the world recommend the vaccine for men and women who plan to have kids in the future.

Myth 4: COVID-19 vaccine will impact a child’s heart and alter the DNA

Fact: Again, there is no evidence that the vaccine impacts the heart or alters the DNA. On the other hand, getting infected by the vaccine can impact the heart and have long-term effects in some cases. The vaccine safeguards vaccinated individuals, including children, against the morbidities associated with the COVID-19 infection. The vaccines cannot alter the DNA either.

Myth 5: COVID-19 does not cause major damage to children, thus getting vaccinated is not worth the risk

Fact: Many children in Indiagot infected in the second and third wave and those with severe infection were hospitalised. A COVID-19-related condition, called the paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), can be life-threatening. Since the new variants are highly contagious, getting vaccinated is important for children as well as others. When children get infected, they easily transmit the infection to others who are at a higher risk of a severe COVID-19 infection.

Conclusion:

COVID-19 can be defeated only with immunisation and by taking necessary precautions. Hence, do not hesitate to get your child vaccinated. As per experts, taking the jab can save your child from severe sickness, hospitalisation and long-term health issues. Additionally, you must also buy medical insurance for yourself and your loved ones. The health insurance policies in India covers COVID-19 treatment as well as other conditions. Hence, having a good and adequate health plan can save you from paying huge medical bills out of yourown pocket.

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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