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The fear of a potential third wave of the Covid-19 continues to loom over India and this time children could be as vulnerable as adults. As per a committee of experts constituted under the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM), the impending third wave could peak around October and better medical preparedness has been sought for children who could be at higher risk.

The study titled, “Third Wave Preparedness: Children Vulnerability and Recovery,” has analysed the possibility of children being affected by Covid-19 and the strategies required to tackle it.

The committee was set up under the direction of the ministry of home affairs led by Amit Shah. It has been noted that pediatric facilities including doctors, staff and equipment like ambulances and ventilators are not enough. The report also highlighted that the existing facilities are far lesser than what will be required if a large number of children are infected. The report has been submitted to the PMO.

Roadmap proposed

The report has also urged for vaccination of children, with priority for those who have co-morbidities and disabilities. Experts have concurred that despite strict interventions the third wave is expected to peak by the end of October. Various studies have spoken of the possibility of a third wave, but however, these are estimates.

Experts deliberated on the vulnerability of children as they have not been vaccinated yet and the prevalent view is that they are not prone to severe infections and it could spread from one to another.

Other estimates have said that the third wave could be less severe than the second one.

The expert committee has called for a holistic home care model along with immediate ramping up of pediatric capacities and dealing with mental health issues in children on priority. It has also been suggested the children’s ward should be constructed in a way that allows their parents or attendants to be with them safely throughout recovery. They have also expressed their concerns over a whopping 82% deficit of pediatricians in primary health centres and 63% vacancies in community health centres across India.

The committee of experts comprised AK Pandey, Chairman of state monitoring committee on shelter for urban homeless; Gagandeep Kang, Professor of CMC, Vellore; Naveen Thacker, President of the Indian Paediatricians Association; Anurag Agarwal, director of CSIR-IGIB and MC Mishra, ex-director of AIIMS.

Plan to jab adult population first: NITI Aayog

On August 22, Niti Aayog member (health) VK Paul had said that the government is not considering booster doses for Covid vaccines yet. He added that the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) had not issued such a recommendation either.

“The science of the need and the timing of booster shots is still evolving. Different vaccines may have different schedules. It is being closely watched and studied,” Paul said.

However, with the third wave looming around and posing a threat to children, the government needs to build a roadmap and vaccination plan to tackle it.