The Maharashtra COVID Task Force along with the newly instituted Paediatric Task Force has recommended immunizing children with the influenza vaccine before monsoon hits the state. Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a virtual meeting with doctors from both task forces.
In this meeting, the doctors recommended inoculating kids with the influenza vaccine to reduce cases of the virus among children as COVID-19 and the seasonal flu have similar symptoms. This would also help officials free up hospitals and avoid needless testing.
The Indian Academy of Paediatrics (IAP) recommends administering the influenza vaccine for children below the age of five. Although this is not part of the vaccines provided under the national immunisation programme, the influenza vaccine is widely available in the market.
Chairman of the State COVID Task Force, Dr Sanjay Oak told CM Thackeray, “We are of the opinion that the influenza vaccine should be advised proactively. Since it’s expensive, it is mostly the middle class and upper class that can afford it. At the state level, we may think of reducing the cost or giving it to every child at least in the next six months.”
Explaining the reasoning behind this new recommendation, the head of the Paediatric Task Force, Dr Suhas Prabhu said, “If they all start coming to hospitals and if RT-PCR has to be done for all, there will be added expenses and crowding in hospitals.” Dr Prabhu further told the Chief Minister that the State should consider making an exception and provide the flu shot to all children this year.
While Thackeray said the recommendation will be considered, he sought more clarity on the matter before a final decision is made.
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“However, we need more clarity on whether asymptomatic Covid positive child can take the vaccine. Vaccination is not at all an issue but how, when and whom to vaccinate should be clear to avoid further complications,” the CM said.
During the same meeting, members from both task forces added that children who have missed their routine immunisation doses due to a COVID-19 infection should complete their immunisation schedule.
Another member of the Paediatric Task Force, Dr Vijay Yewale said, “It is safe for a child to get BCG, rubella or any vaccine that they may have missed out on if four weeks have passed since the onset of Covid symptoms.”
Also read - Home Isolation Allowed For COVID-19 Cases In Mumbai
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