Can individuals under 18 years of age receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
Aug 09, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
Currently, the national authorities have approved COVID-19 vaccination for individuals aged 3–17 years. Next, experts will develop specific vaccination protocols for this age group based on demographic characteristics and the evolving epidemiological situation. This indicates that individuals aged 3–17 years will soon be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination; however, details—including the timing of vaccination, dosage, and interval between doses—still await official national guidelines.
Recently, localized cluster outbreaks have occurred in certain regions, drawing widespread public attention to COVID-19 vaccination. While COVID-19 vaccination can reduce the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is not suitable for everyone. So, can individuals under 18 years of age receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Below, we address this question.
Can individuals under 18 years of age receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
Generally speaking, China has approved the use of COVID-19 vaccines for individuals aged 3–17 years. Experts will subsequently develop specific vaccination protocols for this age group based on epidemiological data and population characteristics. This indicates that vaccination for children and adolescents aged 3–17 years is imminent. However, details—including the exact timing of vaccination rollout, dosage regimens, and intervals between doses—remain to be formally announced by national health authorities. Notably, Sinovac Biotech began clinical trials in the 3–17 age group earlier this year. Preliminary findings indicate that its vaccine demonstrates excellent safety profiles comparable to those observed in adults, with similar levels of neutralizing antibodies. Currently, inactivated vaccines developed by Sinovac Biotech and China National Biotec Group (CNBG) have completed Phase II clinical trials in the 3–17 age group, generating substantial safety and immunogenicity data. Following rigorous review and expert evaluation, these vaccines have been deemed safe and effective for administration to children and adolescents aged 3–17 years, with robust antibody-inducing capacity.
Knowledge Expansion: Contraindications to Vaccination
1. Fever
Fever—beyond common respiratory infections—may signal the early stage of certain infectious diseases. Vaccination during fever may exacerbate febrile illness. Moreover, symptoms attributable to the underlying febrile condition could be mistakenly attributed to vaccine reactions, potentially delaying or complicating subsequent vaccinations. Therefore, individuals currently experiencing fever—especially high fever—should defer vaccination until fully recovered.
2. Allergic Constitution
Individuals with known allergies are at increased risk of allergic reactions following vaccination. Those with a history of allergic dermatitis, bronchial asthma, urticaria, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, or food allergies should first identify their specific allergens prior to vaccination. Vaccines containing identified allergens must be avoided; however, vaccines free of the relevant allergen may be administered safely.
3. Acute Infectious Diseases
Vaccination is generally contraindicated during the incubation, prodromal, acute, and convalescent phases of acute infectious diseases—except for emergency-use vaccines (e.g., rabies or tetanus toxoid). Administering vaccines during the incubation or prodromal phase may trigger or worsen the underlying disease; vaccination during the acute phase may also exacerbate illness. Furthermore, individuals who have had close contact with confirmed infectious disease cases during an outbreak should avoid immediate vaccination.
The above provides an overview addressing whether individuals under 18 years of age may receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We hope this information is helpful to you.
