Positive cases among children in Indonesia have risen recently by 11-12 percent. Parents are in fear as it is still unclear when children are safe to get their jabs. As reported by many, vaccines for children are still under clinical trials in many countries, including Indonesia.
“We are still waiting for the clinical trial results at the moment,” UGM epidemiologist Citra Indriani said on Friday (25/6).
She added that WHO SAGE (Strategic Advisory Group of Experts) had announced Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine was safe for children aged 12 years old and above. Although the global priority was still not for children, given this current spike in cases in children, new recommendations and policy changes might eventually occur.
“Now, what can we do as adults, including parents and nannies, to protect our children is by complying with and implementing strict health protocols. Even eating outside with people is very risky as we will take off our masks and talk. So, it’s on us,” she said.
Citra emphasized that parents’ strict implementation of health measures would help shield children from exposure to coronavirus infection during this waiting time. Adults were believed as the source that might transmit the virus, so they needed to take great care of themselves before meeting or interacting with children. Kids too were required to wear masks and enforced health measures (as instructed and exampled by parents) to minimize exposure.
“3T (test, tracing, treatment) is not going to protect children, but our compliance with health protocols is,” she concluded.
Citra also urged the government to postpone the school reopening plan, especially in areas with high transmission. She worried that in-person classes might exacerbate the number of COVID-19 cases in children.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Photo: AFP Photo