Paediatricians warn of long-term impact of COVID on children, call for vaccination drive

Maltese paediatricians join European counterparts in hammering home importance of vaccinating children against COVID-19 to minimise long-term effects of infection

Paediatricians are calling for a concerted effort to vaccinate children and adolescents vaccinated against COVID-19
Paediatricians are calling for a concerted effort to vaccinate children and adolescents vaccinated against COVID-19

Paediatricians are calling for a concerted effort to vaccinate children and adolescents against COVID-19 ahead of schools reopening after the summer holidays.

The appeal made by the European Academy of Paediatrics urges paediatricians to promoted COVID vaccinations among children and young people to minimise the disruption caused by the pandemic and reduce the risk of the infection’s long-term impact.

Although COVID-19 infection in children is rarely severe, paediatricians warned that a newly described syndrome has been observed shortly after infection.

“Preliminary evidence also shows that long-standing effects of COVID-19 may be seen up to six months after infection, including fatigue, muscle and joint pain, insomnia, respiratory problems, and palpitations.”

The Maltese Paediatric Association has joined its European counterparts in the appeal.

The vaccination rate among those aged 12 and over in Malta has reached 90%, according to figures given by Health Minister Chris Fearne on Tuesday, but not every European country has achieved the same level of success.

The Pfizer and Moderna COVID vaccines have been given approval by the European Medicines Authority for use in children between 12 and 17. Both are carrying out additional research to extend availability to children between 5 and 11.

“Vaccination of children and adolescents is highly effective and safe,” the EAP said in a joint statement with the European Confederation of Primary Care Paediatricians.

They stressed vaccinating children and adolescents against COVID-19 will encourage a return to regular paediatric care and routine vaccinations against other infectious diseases, which were severely disrupted during the pandemic.

“Vaccinating children and adolescents will also drive their regular school learning and peer interaction, which is vital to reverse the educational, developmental and psychological problems caused by the lockdown of over 1.5 billion young people worldwide,” they said.