AMID threats of the Delta variant spread, the increasing number of reported cases of children and adolescents infected with COVID-19 is alarming. The government, parents, caregivers, and other stakeholders must thus work hand-in-hand with urgency to protect children and the youth from the virus.
Data presented by health authorities showed that over 48,000 children ages 19 and below have acquired COVID-19 as of February 2021 where 40.2% are from the 15-20 years old age group, 17.4% are ages 5-9, and 18.5% are ages 4 and below. Globally, children account for up to 15% of confirmed cases.
While children may not belong to the “high-risk groups” and most Filipino children infected with COVID-19 remain to be mild as studies show, there is a growing concern that the highly contagious Delta variant is more fatal to children, especially to those with comorbidities or who are less than one year old since their immune response is either compromised or not yet developed.
Children with COVID-19 generally have milder effects and have better prognosis than adults but those who have underlying diseases have higher risks to experience severe illnesses. The symptoms of children should thus not be disregarded.
Since inoculation of children against COVID-19 is not yet a priority and the country is still on its way to achieving herd immunity with around 26.6 million Filipinos vaccinated, the greatest protection that can be given to children right now is for adults to get vaccinated. The sooner this is done, the greater chances for children and adolescents to rise in the priority list.
But while adults are prioritized for vaccination, children must also continue to receive other life-saving immunizations and health nutrition services necessary for their survival. The government must ensure that all children have safe and inclusive access to basic childhood vaccines and receive routine immunization for vaccine-preventable diseases, even in this time of pandemic.
Ah yes, parents, guardians, caregivers, and communities must act more responsibly around children by strictly adhering to the minimum health and safety protocols to protect themselves and their children from the imminent threats of the Delta variant.
We have to care about more than just ourselves.
