Preventive measures better than vaccinating children  

By Chaturanga Samarawickrama  

No decision has been taken as yet to administer the COVID vaccine for children, but it is advisable to continue with preventive measures other than vaccination, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children (LRH) Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Deepal Perera said. 

He told the Daily Mirror that people should bear in mind not to take the virus back home, if they want to protect their children.  

“Five children had died due to the virus up to now for the past one-and-a-half years. Therefore the parents kept asking whether we could vaccinate the children instead of frequent handwashing and wearing face masks,” the doctor said.  The vaccination is given to people who are 18 years and older in the country, he said.  “In cities like Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), they have started vaccinating the children. However, the Sinopharm vaccine is given to children starting from 16 years and Pfizer Moderna vaccine given to children over 12 years. But no side effects were reported as per the reports issued by them.  However, America and India are still discussing whether to vaccinate children or not,” Dr. Perera said.  “The best thing is to prevent the virus getting into the children rather than vaccinating them.” Dr. Perera said.