Do Kids Need COVID-19 Vaccine? Understanding Side Effects And Precautions

The COVID-19 vaccine is being out in India currently and is one of the only ways to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. There are three vaccines that are available to everyone who is above the age of 18. One has to register to the official government portals to get vaccinated. However, children are yet to be admitted into the vaccination drive. With rumors of a third wave of COVID-19, that will be more dangerous for kids, vaccination for kids has been a major cause of concern. 

Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine

Some side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine are normal and even indicate that the vaccine is working towards building an immunological response within the human body. However, it is still important to observe them carefully. If there are any severe side effects, you must immediately call the regular doctor to whom your child goes as they will know best. If unavailable, you can always call the COVID-19 helplines that have been set up. As most hospitals and clinics are catering to COVID-19 patients, it is best to take remote consultations.

Here are some common side effects of the vaccine that are usually not a cause for concern unless they cause serious discomfort:

• Swelling, tenderness, warmth, itching, redness, and mild pain at the vaccination spot 
• Stiffness and weakness of the injection arm
• Lump at the injection spot
• Chills and fever
• Headache
• Rashes
• Body ache
• Malaise
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Joint and muscle pain

COVID-19 Precautions For Children

Here are some precautions that you must take with regards to getting your kid the COVID-19 vaccine as well as to protect them from the coronavirus in general:

1. Consult Your Doctor if Your Kid has any Prevailing Conditions

Although there have been no severe cases of side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, it is advisable to contact your child's doctor before taking them for vaccination, especially if they have any prevailing conditions. If your child has previously reacted adversely to any vaccine, you must take it into account and get the necessary go-ahead from the doctor. 

2. Keep Your Kids Active and Healthy

It has been more than a year that kids have been confined to their homes. While that is absolutely necessary to keep them safe, it is also important to keep them active through exercise so that their immune system does not get weakened over time. It is crucial that they remain fit in order to effectively combat the coronavirus. Yoga, meditation and cardio exercises can be fun and are also helpful. 

3. Provide Them with the Right Mask

Whenever your kid goes out or interacts with someone who has come from outside, remember to keep them masked. Homemade cloth masks and surgical masks are easily available. However, you must either wear two masks while using these or your cloth mask must have six layers. The N95/K95 masks are also good options. When you take your kid to get vaccinated, make sure they are properly masked as most of the vaccination centers are facing crowds. 

Endnotes

Hopefully, the COVID-19 vaccines will soon be available for children in India as well. It is one of the only ways to stay safe in the pandemic which is why it is crucial to get vaccinated as soon as possible. If your kid is otherwise healthy, there should not be any cause for concern with the COVID-19 vaccine as there have been no serious side effects that have been observed.

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Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.