IDAI To Arrange Detailed Terms Of Provision Of Sinovac Vaccines For Children Aged 6-11 Years Old

ILLUSTRATION/UNSPLASH

JAKARTA - General Chairperson of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) Piprim Basarah Yanuarso said his party would soon draw up detailed requirements for children aged 6-11 years who may receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

This arrangement was carried out after the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine for children under the age of 12.

"Later, we will issue a detailed recommendation for vaccination for children aged 6-11 years," said Piprim in a press conference that was broadcast online, Monday, November 1.

This detailed requirement is deemed necessary as anticipation even though only a few cases show contraindications for giving certain types of vaccines to children.

"Of course, under certain conditions, such as those who are immunocompromised, or the child is seriously ill, suffering from malignancy, shortness of breath, heart failure and so on, of course, it cannot, but in detail, the IDAI will issue recommendations as soon as possible," he explained.

"But, in principle, very few will experience contraindications. So, most of our children are expected to receive this vaccine," added Piprim.

The IDAI also asked parents not to worry about giving their children an injection of the COVID-19 vaccine. The reason is that he ensures that there are no direct implications between the Sinovac vaccine and other vaccines that children at that age must receive.

So, he asked parents and all schools to support the COVID-19 vaccination program for children so that the injections can run effectively. Moreover, this vaccine injection program could later be held in collaboration with the school.

"For those who are 6 years old, usually the basic immunization program at school has been completed, the last time we usually give further immunization at the age of 5 years, there will be another when they're 7.

"So we can work together with schools to be more effective, yes, because most of these children are elementary school age," he concluded.