COVID 19 Vaccination for Kids, Pregnant Women & Lactating Moms-Know the update from Dr. Nihar Parekh

We are currently fighting the second mutant of the coronavirus which mostly affected youngsters. After analyzing the situation over the last several months, principal scientific advisor K Vijay Raghwan has classified phase 3 as inevitable, given the high levels of circulating virus. At the same time, it is not clear at what timescale this third phase will occur. Mommywize spoke to Dr. Nihar Parekh, Pediatrician, Director Cheerschildcare to get you the latest updates regarding vaccination for kids and this is what he had to say.

All the parents are urged to take vaccination to prevent the spread to children as the third wave is likely to affect children as they would not be vaccinated by the time, unfortunately.

Unlike adults and young lads, children can’t be isolated or put in intensive care alone as they need caretakers with them always. Putting all the vaccination updates in mind, all young parents must be vaccinated as it protects. If we are supposed to face the third mutant; precautionary measures like masking and social distancing will stop the spread. Parents are suggested to use 3ply masks that would fit correctly to children below 18 years. Children with less than one year have lesser chances of getting infected if taken care of.

• Can pregnant women and lactating mothers get their jab?

According to the new norm, pregnant, breastfeeding, and lactating mothers are suggested to their jabs. Whereas pregnant women are asked to take the advice of a gynecologist or paediatrician before they get their shot. Pregnant women can get their shot during the second and third trimester to reduce the chances of featus getting infected.

Women who are pregnant are recommended to stay home and follow the precautionary measures. If the mother is infected with the virus, they need to take the necessary treatment and get sonographies by gyno to check whether the baby is doing well.

• What’s with black fungal infection?

Black fungal infection or Mucormycosis is seen in diabetic patients, COVID-19 recovery patients who were given unnecessary steroids, and immunodeficient people. It is infected when people get in contact with fungal spores in the environment. Fortunately, there are no positive cases in pediatric COVID. Using steroids judicially, maintaining hygienic surroundings, and monitoring the symptoms well will reduce the risk to get infected.

Staying indoors and strictly following protocols without panicking will help you stay sane and healthy during these tough times. Other takeaways from the session

Following are the key excerpts from our live session:

• The third Covid wave – if it comes will be due to a mutation in the virus just as how the second wave occurred due to a mutation in the virus after the first wave.
• The government is trying to combat the second wave by trying to vaccinate the citizens as soon as possible.
• If the virus mutates to take a severe form, then it is a scary situation for our kids. However, the virus may also mutate to a milder form causing only flu-like symptoms. The third wave may even come at a later date than expected – then, there is enough time for our children to get vaccinated as well and gain immunity against the virus.
• It is important for the parents to get vaccinated now so that they are healthy enough can take care of their younger ones if the need arises during the third wave.
• The Government has modified its approach and is aggressively pushing for vaccines. Thus, there is a good chance that the vaccination for kids will start in the next 3 to 4 months.
• Till then masking is the only weapon we have to save ourselves as well as our kids. Keep them indoors as much as possible and train your child to wear a mask properly.
• Ventilation is equally important for kids. Take your kids out to the balconies and terrace, and ventilate your house as much as possible. There are very low chances of you or your child getting infected from an airborne virus in a well-ventilated space.
• Vaccines are extremely safe for lactating mothers. Pregnant women should ideally consult their obstetrician before taking the vaccination and the perfect time for pregnant women to get vaccinated is the second trimester.
• It is recommended to start planning your family after you get both doses of vaccines.
• There are no cases of Mucormycosis (black fungus) in pediatric Covid cases.

Watch full session with Dr. Nihar Parekh, Pediatrician, Director Cheerschildcare and get answers to some of the very latest updates on Vaccination for kids, breasting feeding moms, and pregnant women and get to know how to protect kids from a possible third wave.

@drniharparekh

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