The latest World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Situation Report of the Philippines showed that only 36.8% of children aged 5-11 years old have gotten their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Physicians warn that children and adolescents remain susceptible to infection by COVID-19.
With the return to face-to-face classes, physicians have urged parents and parent figures to have their children vaccinated for COVID-19. Dr. Philip S. Nakpil, Medical Director at Zuellig Pharma Therapeutics, echoed the call of doctors worldwide to vaccinate children.
“The longer we wait to get our children vaccinated, the higher the chances that we are putting our children’s long-term health at risk. Children who are now back in school are in an environment that increases their risk of getting sick, moreover, increases the possibility of bringing the virus home and infecting the family,” Nakpil says.
The pediatric COVID-19 vaccine such as the Moderna mRNA vaccine and other approved COVID-19 vaccines can protect children from 5-11 years old from the severe effects of COVID-19. These vaccines also aid in protecting the entire family—especially those at-risk such as infants and the elderly, or those with comorbidities.
In fact, outbreaks of COVID-19 have previously been identified in schools, children’s camps, and day-care centers, where children were less likely to observe physical distancing or wearing of masks to reduce the risk of transmission.
Studies have shown that children are more likely to experience milder symptoms or be asymptomatic to COVID-19, which leads to fewer children and adolescents being tested, resulting in unreported cases. This increases the risk of them infecting other children or bringing the virus home—where it can remain undetected in the child while infecting the household.
Several risk factors for severe COVID-19 in children have been reported, including obesity and pre-existing conditions. The pre-existing conditions associated with a higher risk of severe COVID-19 include type 2 diabetes, severe asthma, heart, and pulmonary diseases, seizure disorders and other neurologic disorders, neurodevelopment (e.g., Down Syndrome) and neuromuscular conditions, and moderate to severe immunocompromising conditions.
Reports from the Philippine Department of Health have reflected that most children who died due to COVID-19 were unvaccinated children. As such, Nakpil urges Filipino parents and parent figures to check with their pediatricians and apply for the vaccine through their Local Government Units.
“The COVID-19 vaccine protects children from the severe and long-term effects of the virus, ultimately creating a safer environment for kids to be kids,” Nakpil says.
As part of their initiative to increase the rate of pediatric vaccination, the Department of Health has also announced “Bakunahang Bayan II”, a two-day special vaccination run from December 5 to 7, which targets the vaccination of children aged 5-11.
About ZP Therapeutics
ZP Therapeutics, a division of Zuellig Pharma, is the commercialization partner of choice for the healthcare industry, with offices in 13 countries across Asia and over 2,500 associates. We are a catalyst in improving patient journeys and healthcare outcomes through commercial excellence, robust in-market capabilities, and strong ethical principles. Our commitment to making healthcare accessible is fuelled by agility, resilience, integrity, and passion for excellence in everything we do.