by Adwaith Hariharan
Since the start of the pandemic, the word “COVID-19” has been engraved into the minds of millions. The world buckled under this sudden, virulent outbreak, leading to scores of deaths and months of economic shutdown. It ruthlessly rent the socioeconomic fabric and altered the course of nature and society in one blow. However, in the midst of this darkness shines a beacon of hope: a vaccine. Currently, vaccines for people ages 16 and older have been approved in the US, and their use is underway. Still, what about children under 16?
Although this demographic is largely unscathed, children can still be infected. They can also act as asymptomatic carriers, unwittingly spreading the virus to other vulnerable populations. According to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, a vaccine for children ages 12-15 likely won't be available until summer 2021. For 5-11 year olds this may take until late 2021, and for children under 5, it may take until early 2022. Immunologist and Duke University professor Sallie Permar, MD, PhD, believes that this is problematic. According to her expertise, “A pediatric vaccine would not only help children — it will be the basis of eventually eliminating COVID-19 in our population.” However, her plea falls on deaf ears, as there is no advocate for a children’s COVID vaccine. Nevertheless, the task is of paramount importance. Not only is it necessary to shield the youth, it is also the key to eradicating the zoonotic virus. Additionally, a vaccine could end quarantine, which is critical to childrens’ physical and mental development. The current conditions could have a long-term impact on their brains and hence, their social interactions and mental well-being. Regardless, some companies have come in the clutch.
Recently, Moderna announced that it is conducting two studies for a children’s COVID vaccine: one for ages 12-17 and another for children 12 and under. The protocol consists of two parts — one which determines a safe dose and the other to test the efficacy. Patients of both studies received two shots of the vaccine 28 days apart with varying doses. Patients who were vaccinated earlier in the study were administered lower doses to track any adverse effects. Researchers are expected to analyze the results to determine the safest and most effective dosage for each age group. Following this, the subjects will be monitored for a year to investigate the vaccine’s efficacy (indicated by antibodies), side effects, infections, and symptoms.
This pandemic is relatively new, and there much that the world has yet to discover. Overall, vaccine trials in children under 16 are far more complicated because their immune system is still developing. Consequently, they have a restricted response to the vaccines. Another level of complexity is that the vaccine does not interact with other vaccines, thereby reducing its impact. In these unprecedented times, it is imperative that people understand how susceptible they are. From infants to adolescents, children hold the key to herd immunity.
Sources
1. Grady, D. (2021, March 16). Moderna Begins Testing Covid Vaccine in Babies and Children. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/16/health/moderna-covid-vaccine-children.html?searchResultPosition=12
2. Moyer, M. W. (2021, April 13). You’re Vaccinated. Your Kids Are Not. What Now? The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/13/well/family/parents-vaccinated-not-kids.html
3. Zimmer, C. (2020, September 21). A Covid-19 Vaccine for Children May Not Arrive Before Fall 2021. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/21/parenting/kids-vaccine-coronavirus.html?searchResultPosition=1