“Vaccines work by training and preparing the body’s natural defences – the immune system – to recognize and fight off the viruses and bacteria they target. After vaccination, if the body is later exposed to those disease-causing germs, the body is immediately ready to destroy them, preventing illness”
- World Health Organisation (WHO)
As of January 3rd 2022, children within the age bracket of 15-18, will be eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccines in India
Why should children get vaccinated?
Many people assume that children’s symptoms of covid are milder and that they do not need to be vaccinated. However, there have been numerous reports of children becoming sick and getting hospitalized as a result of covid infection. They can also suffer from long-term health complications and spread it to others at home and school. Hence, by getting them vaccinated, you can slow the spread of the virus as well as avoid serious complications that come with the infection.
Which vaccine is given to children in India?
COVAXIN (BBV152), manufactured by Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL), is currently India’s only authorized vaccination for children. COVAXIN has also been recognized for its safety and efficiency by the World Health Organization.
Is COVID vaccine safe for kids below 18?
Bharat Biotech has conducted phase II/III open-label and multicenter studies in healthy children and adolescents aged 2 to 18 to assess the safety, reactogenicity, and immunogenicity of COVAXIN.
There were no major adverse effects recorded in the research. A total of 374 children had mild or moderate symptoms, with 78 reporting severe symptoms. As a result, it has been proven to be well-tolerated, immunogenic and safe for children below age 18.
How to book a covid vaccine for children between the ages of 15-18?
Children in this age group can register for immunization at a walk-in clinic from January 3, or they can also register on the Co-WIN app. Apart from Aadhaar and other national identity cards, children can register using their class 10th ID card.
Two shots of COVAXIN, 0.5 ml at a 28-day interval, the same dose given to adults is administered to children.
What are the side effects of COVAXIN in children?
The side effects that children experience are generally the same as those that adults experience. It includes ?
- Pain at the injection site/upper arm
- Mild fever and chills
- Achy muscles or joints
- Headache
What to do after your child has been vaccinated?
- You will get a vaccination certificate to the registered mobile number that tells you the name of the COVID-19 vaccine received, when it was given, and where it was given. Keep this certificate safe in case you need it in the future.
- You will be asked to remain at the location where the vaccination was given for at least 15 minutes, in case you have an unusual reaction and need medical assistance.
- Mild symptoms are common, but if they experience severe symptoms like redness or soreness (pain) where they got the shot even after 24 hours, call your healthcare practitioner immediately.
- And finally, make sure they get enough rest, stay hydrated and eat superfoods like green vegetables and fruits that’ll give them the energy they require.
For More Information and Updates ?
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India – https://www.mohfw.gov.in/
- National Helpline Number – 1075
- Central Helpline email – ncov2019@gmail.com
Visit the Ayu Health website and book an appointment with us, or reach out to us at +91 636-610-0800.
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About the Author
Dr. S. Goel
Dr. S. Goel is a renowned Internal Medicine Specialist currently practicing at Ayu Health Hospital, Bangalore. He is a Specialist in Internal Medicine, Diabetes HTN, Paediatric Care, and Family Medicine.