As the school season is nearing up, Parents are concerned about when their kids will be able to receive a Covid-19 Vaccine shot. Researchers and Doctors state that kids under 16 are not as prone to the virus as Adults and Teenagers. Kids don’t tend to have a lot of social interactions as compared to teens and adults. Also, Kids have a stronger immune system than Adults do. This doesn’t mean that kids can’t get infected with the virus. Studies show that the kids infected with Coronavirus tend to show mild symptoms of an Upper-respiratory disease. So when will kids get vaccinated? Moderna and Pfizer are currently in-trial for producing vaccines safe for kids, The current vaccine being provided can only be given to a person at 16 years of age minimum. “A kid’s Immune system is much like that of an adult’s. but it had faced fewer viruses. It isn’t trained enough to fight the symptoms of the vaccine. An adult can go on through with a sore forearm and a fever after the vaccine. A toddler certainly not.” Said Dr. Buddy Creech, director of Vanderbilt University’s Vaccine Research Program and an investigator in Moderna’s pediatric trials. Creech also states that the vaccine for kids won’t be available until the end of 2021 as the vaccine is being tested on various volunteers with doctors changing the dose and antibodies in the vaccines frequently.
Pediatric trial and how it works
The Pediatric vaccine will decide if the vaccine protects the kids from getting sick even if they are exposed to the Virus. Doctors and Researchers will begin the trial by testing the vaccine over Teenagers first, Gradually making their way down to kids younger than 16 and then finally toddlers. Creech said, “ We will be testing the different amounts of doses to the volunteers until we get to a point where the vaccine side-effects are as low as possible and its protection against the virus is higher.” Volunteers will receive two 25, 50, and 100 microgram doses of the vaccine so they can be sure about what amount has the least side effects and the highest chances to protect against the virus. This will determine the correct amount of dosage safe to be given to children.
What can Schools do to prevent the spread of Virus within Kids
Even though kids have a better working immune system and a much lower chance of getting infected with the disease, It doesn’t necessarily mean that they are Prone to the virus. Schools should take proper precautions and make wearing masks a must, Give social distancing a high priority within classes should pay higher attention to Sanitize the kids before and after attending classes. Teachers and the rest of the school staff must get vaccinated before they could attend and/or teach a class.
How can children and parents help us in developing the vaccine
Dr. Steve Plimpton, An investigator for the KidCOVE study in Arizona states, “We have seen an amazing response from parents and they are bringing in their children and taking part helping us develop this vaccine and get it cleared for their kids. For the most part, We’re getting everybody as the parents want their children to be protected.”
Researchers are optimistic that this trial will not only help children but will be a positive siren for all of us.
