COVID-19 infections in Malaysia are at the highest daily average reported since the pandemic began. The current numbers showed that children and babies are increasingly vulnerable to the virus, contrary to what earlier studies suggested. Over 40k children and babies in Malaysia are infected with COVID-19 to date (1).
As more and more doses of vaccines are being administered to Malaysian adults and older teens by the day, this leaves children, who do not yet qualify for a vaccine, susceptible to infection. Here is what parents may want to know so that children can be protected from the virus before vaccines become available to them.
1. When will COVID-19 vaccines be available to children under 12?
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Currently, biopharmaceutical companies are undertaking clinical trials to test the safety and efficacy of coronavirus vaccines for children under 12. The results are expected to be available in September or October this year (including approximately 1 month for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to give it the green light).
It will then depend on the Malaysian government to announce when and what vaccines will be available to children.
Meanwhile, remember to make sure that children’s other routine vaccinations such as measles and influenza are continuing as normal.
3. Would side effects be the same in children getting vaccines?
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According to Pfizer, yes. Similar side effects like pain on the arm, tiredness, achy muscles, headache and fever are possible in children. However, they are usually temporary and should clear up within 48 hours.
4. With adults being vaccinated, do children (who are not vaccinated) still need to wear face masks?
Yes. Health experts advise children to continue wearing face masks when out in public and at schools even as more adults are getting vaccinated. But it is not recommended for children younger than 2 years to wear masks.
5. Can vaccinated family friends or grandparents interact with unvaccinated children?
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The U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that unvaccinated children should still wear face masks in most settings, especially when indoors around people who do not live in the same household.
