Tips

A Nationwide COVID-19 Vaccination Drive for Children Aged 5-11: Protecting Our Youngest Citizens.

"With the ongoing COVID-19 vaccine rollout, there has been significant progress in protecting adolescents aged 12-17. Now, the question on everyone's mind is: When will the younger cohort, aged 5-11, have their turn to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? It's time to delve into this topic and explore the possibilities."

Administrator

11 July, 2024

The Ministry of Health has announced plans to administer COVID-19 vaccines to children aged 5–11. In preparation, the Ministry has tasked the Institute of Health Strategy and Policy with conducting an online survey of parents with children under 12 years old across all 63 provinces and cities in Vietnam.

Today, let’s delve into the plans and surveys regarding COVID-19 vaccination for this age group!

1 COVID-19 Vaccination Plan for Children Aged 5–11

Pfizer Vaccine for Children Aged 5–11

According to Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long, the World Health Organization (WHO) has only recently recommended COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents aged 12–17 and has not issued specific guidelines for children aged 5–11.

To develop a vaccination plan for this younger age group, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health has been in constant communication with the WHO and has been studying the experiences of other countries that have already started vaccinating children aged 5–11.

So far, 44 countries have initiated COVID-19 vaccination for this age group, with 75% of them using the Pfizer vaccine. The Ministry of Health is in the process of finalizing procurement procedures and contracts with Pfizer.

The Ministry closely monitors information on vaccine suitability and potential reactions for this age group to devise appropriate vaccination strategies and minimize adverse effects.

Associate Professor Dr. Duong Thi Hong, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, assured that the Ministry of Health will provide detailed guidelines for vaccine deployment, with a particular focus on safety. The Ministry will also conduct comprehensive training for medical staff at all levels on COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5–11.

As per the plan, school-going children will be vaccinated at schools, while those not attending school will receive their vaccinations at health stations. Children with underlying medical conditions will be vaccinated at hospitals to ensure their safety.

2 Survey on Parental Consent for COVID-19 Vaccination for Children Aged 5–11

Survey on COVID-19 Vaccination

The Ministry of Health has commissioned the Institute of Health Strategy and Policy to conduct an online survey of parents with children under 12 years old across all 63 provinces and cities in Vietnam to prepare for COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5 to under 12.

The survey, which garnered responses from over 415,000 parents, yielded the following results: 60.6% agreed to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, 7.6% agreed if it became mandatory, 29.1% were undecided, and only 1.9% disagreed.

Vaccination is a long-term strategy to build community immunity. The Ministry of Health will carefully consider and study the vaccination of children aged 5–11 to avoid any negative impacts on their health. The specific vaccination timeline will be announced once the Ministry finalizes its plans.

3 Which COVID-19 Vaccine Will Be Used for Children Aged 5–11?

On March 1, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen signed Decision No. 457 / QD-BYT, amending Article 1 of Decision No. 2908 / QD-BYT, approving the emergency use of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The approved vaccine is named Comirnaty (also known as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine).

For individuals aged 12 and above, the recommended dose is 0.3 ml containing 30 micrograms of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles). For children aged 5–12, the dose is 0.2 ml containing 10 mcg.

In terms of formulation, the vaccine for those aged 12 and above is supplied as a concentrate for dilution and a ready-to-use solution, while the vaccine for children aged 5–12 is provided as a concentrate for dilution.

Decision No. 457 took effect on March 1 and superseded Decision No. 4035/QD-BYT dated August 21, 2021, issued by the Minister of Health.

We hope that this information is comprehensive and clear, enabling everyone to understand and support the vaccination drive for young children, thereby contributing to curbing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Frequently asked questions

Vaccinating children against COVID-19 is crucial as it helps protect them from the virus and its potential long-term effects. While children are less likely to experience severe illness from COVID-19 compared to adults, they can still get infected and transmit the virus to others. By getting vaccinated, children can develop immunity and reduce the risk of spreading the virus to more vulnerable individuals in their community.

The nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive for children aged 5-11 in Vietnam offers several benefits. Firstly, it helps protect a significant portion of the population that was previously vulnerable to the virus. By vaccinating children, we can reduce the overall circulation of the virus and slow down the emergence of new variants. Additionally, this drive contributes to the country’s efforts in achieving herd immunity, creating a safer environment for everyone.

The COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved for children aged 5-11 have undergone extensive testing and have been deemed safe by regulatory authorities. These vaccines have been rigorously evaluated for safety and effectiveness, with clinical trials involving thousands of children in this age group. Common side effects are typically mild to moderate and similar to those experienced by adults, including soreness at the injection site, fatigue, and headache. Serious side effects are rare but will be closely monitored by healthcare professionals.

Parents can play a crucial role in preparing their children for the COVID-19 vaccination. Firstly, it’s important to educate your child about the vaccine and its benefits, addressing any fears or concerns they may have. Ensure your child is well-rested and has a light meal before the vaccination. After the vaccination, monitor your child for any side effects and provide comfort if needed. It’s also a good idea to reward your child for their bravery and encourage them to stay hydrated and rest if they feel unwell.

Parents can find reliable information about the COVID-19 vaccine for children from trusted sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Vietnam’s Ministry of Health. Official websites and social media channels of these organizations provide up-to-date guidance and answers to common questions. Reputable news outlets and local healthcare providers can also be good sources of information specific to your region.