Covid: Parents hesitant to get children vaccinated

Rithu Dravid | NT
Bengaluru

With the rise of Covid-19 cases among school children, parents have mixed notions regarding the safety of their children. Many school children are not even wearing masks on campus, even though the schools have mandated it. “The students unknowingly remove their masks and also feel uneasy to wear it continuously for seven hours,” said a parent.

The vaccination drives at schools have seen only a few takers. The fear of long-term side effects of vaccines have stopped many parents from getting their children vaccinated. “We had a meeting with the Commissioner of public instruction and Commissioner of BBMP health, we have put forth our requirements and updated them on the status of vaccine coverage drive.

The vaccine shortage, lack of awareness, fear in parents has led to poor responses in schools. Micro planning with greater awareness drives through commercial advertisements and adequate supply of vaccines from the local primary healthcare centres will help the students,” said Sashi Kumar, General Secretary, Association of Management of Primary and Secondary Schools of Karnataka. The parents need to take it seriously and get their children vaccinated. Mass vaccination drives in schools that happen regularly will benefit students.

“Taking precautions is better than facing consequences,” said a city school counsellor. He emphasised the need to be safe as children are young and prone to various infections and could cause harm to weaker children at school. Dr Nagendra Kumar, Pediatrician (Gaestro), Manipal Hospital said, “Children with Asthma or breathing issues might be prone to more severe conditions, so wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene and getting vaccinated will certainly help in prevention. One need not panic.”

“There is not enough data on the safety and efficacy of the vaccine in children. We will wait for a little longer and then administer the vaccine for our kids,” said a parent. With the rising cases of Covid-19 clusters in the city, schools and parents need to take steps to protect students from the virus.