Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccination for Children: Position Statement of Indian Academy of Pediatrics Advisory Committee on Vaccination and Immunization Practices

Abstract

Justification Data generated after the first wave has revealed that some children with Coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) can become seriously ill. Multi-inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and long COVID cause significant morbidity in children. Prolonged school closures and quarantine have played havoc with the psychosocial health of children. Many countries in the world have issued emergency use authorisation (EUA) of selected COVID-19 vaccines for use in children. In India, a Subject Expert Committee (SEC) has recommended the use of Covaxin (Bharat Biotech) for children from the ages of 2–18 years. The recommendation has been given to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for final approval. Objective To provide an evidence-based document to guide the pediatricians on the recommendation to administer COVID vaccines to children, as and when they are available for use. Process Formulation of key questions was done by the committee, followed by review of literature on epidemiology and burden of COVID-19 in children, review of the studies on COVID vaccines in children, and the IAP stand on COVID-19 vaccination in children. The available data was discussed in the ACVIP focused WhatsApp group followed by an online meeting on 24 October, 2021, wherein the document was discussed in detail and finalized. Recommendations The IAP supports the Government of India’s decision to extend the COVID-19 vaccination program to children between 2–18 years of age. Children with high-risk conditions may be immunized on a priority basis. The IAP and its members should be a partner with the Government of India, in the implementation of this program and the surveillance that is necessary following the roll-out.

Clinical profile and outcome in neonates born to COVID-19 positive mothers and COVID positive children aged between 1 month to 12 years admitted in a tertiary COVID care centre: a cross sectional study

“…In India, since the first case of COVID-19 was reported on Jan 27th2020, more than 420 million people have been affected with approximately 3% prevalence in 10 years and 8 % prevalence in 11-20 years age groups in the first wave. 1 Similar figures were seen during the second wave…”

“…The majority of affected children are asymptomatic (>70%) and in those symptomatic, the illness has been mild with <1.5% of children requiring hospitalisations. 1 This could be due to fewer Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors in children required for the adherence of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and absence of significant comorbidities. UNICEF has reported 0.4% mortality in children among the 3.7 million COVID 19 deaths.…”

Systematic Review On Covid Vaccination In Children- Assessment Of Safety, Immunogenicity, Efficacy And Adverse Effects

“…3 Inadvertent and prolonged school closures and long-term quarantine have created a havoc with the psychosocial health of children. 4 Children are greatly playing a significant role as vectors in the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among the communities. 5 Therefore, decrease in virus transmission has been observed in children who area vaccinated and thus will help in reducing severe cases in adults and will also tend to reduce the risk of developing certain new variants of virus.…”

Progress in immunization of children against coronavirus disease 2019: The role of pediatric societies

“…Issues regarding the reliability, safety, and efficacy of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines have complicated the process of immunizing children, in addition to the decision of parents to vaccinate their children ( 2 ). Without international universal consensus, pediatric societies in various countries are establishing childhood COVID-19 vaccination positions ( 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ).…”

“…The American Academy of Pediatrics ( 3 ), the Israel Pediatric Association ( 4 ), the Canadian Paediatric Society ( 5 ) and the Spanish Association of Pediatrics ( 6 ) have publicly recommended vaccination of children 5 years of age and older. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics ( 7 ) has declared itself in favor of vaccinating children between 2 and 18 years of age.…”