Serbian pediatricians on Omicron: Children at risk, consider booster dose for those over 12

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The Association of Pediatricians of Serbia is warning that, due to the spread of the Omicron strain of coronavirus, a large number of infected and hospitalized children is very likely.

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Data from the US and other European countries shows that the number of registered cases of coronavirus affecting children under 18 is constantly increasing both in absolute numbers and in terms of participation in the total number of patients, according to the Association.

Since a larger number of children is getting sick, there are more of those whose clinical picture is more difficult and requires treatment in a hospital setting. Also, a slight increase in the most severe forms of the multi-system inflammatory response (MIS-C) has been observed.

The characteristic of the previous epidemic wave (Delta strain) was the increase in the number of infected children compared to the previous one, and it is certain that the Omicron strain will affect an even larger number of those younger than 18.

The Association of Pediatricians said that the largest number of sick and hospitalized children in the countries affected by the Omicron strain is under the age of four. It is especially worrying, Serbian pediatricians stressed in their statement, that the numbers are increasing in the countries where the percentage of the vaccinated population is significantly higher than Serbia.

The only way to protect children up to the age of four is to vaccinate everyone in their environment, according to the Association.

The Association of Pediatricians therefore appeals on parents who have not done so to get vaccinated and receive a booster dose. Also, the Association of Pediatricians once again appeals for children over 12 to be vaccinated, as well as to consider the proposal for children over 12 to receive a third, booster dose of the vaccine against Covid.

Vaccination is the most we can do to reduce the possibility of infection and protect ourselves and the youngest from severe forms of Covid-19, the Association of Pediatricians of Serbia concluded.

(Telegraf.rs)