THL drafts list of high-risk groups for 5–11-year-olds – municipalities may start COVID-19 vaccinations for children in the high-risk groups
THL has drafted separate instructions for coronavirus vaccinations for high-risk groups among children aged 5–11. Vaccines for use in children's vaccinations arrived in Finland this week, and municipalities will be able to start coronavirus vaccinations for children aged 5–11 who are in high risk groups as soon as the arrangements are made.
Municipalities are responsible for coronavirus vaccinations, and they decide on arrangements for the children's vaccinations. Vaccinations can be given as part of school health care or at coronavirus vaccination points where other people are also vaccinated.
“Municipalities will announce when the vaccinations for children aged 5–11 who are in high-risk groups will begin and where they can get a vaccination. In principle, vaccinations can begin immediately, but practical arrangements in the municipalities can certainly take a moment to complete”, says Mia Kontio Chief Specialist at THL.
Those aged 5–11 will be given the BioNTech-Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine; a preparation with a smaller dosage will be used specifically for this age group.
Children's diseases can increase the risk of severe coronavirus disease
According to THL instructions, the following factors may increase the risk that a child might get a serious disease caused by a coronavirus infection:
- an organ transplant or a stem cell transplant
- a treatment with a strong immunosuppressive effect or severe immune deficiency
- chronic pulmonary diseases
- some paediatric cardiac illnesses
- chronic renal disease
- severe chronic liver disease
- obesity: ISO-BMI at least 30
- paediatric neurological conditions involving respiratory insufficiency, and/or increased sensitivity to infections
- Down's syndrome
- type 1 and 2 diabetes
- asthma that requires medication regularly
Children's diseases may increase the risk of severe coronavirus disease, and a coronavirus infection can also exacerbate the symptoms of an underlying illness. Consequently, vaccines are recommended for children aged 5–11 who are in these groups. Most of the abovementioned illnesses are very rare and a child in such a situation is monitored by specialised health care.
It is possible to consult the experts in the home municipality who have been instructed on the matter if the child is in a risk group.
If the child is not capable of independently deciding on treatment, the consent of all guardians is required for a decision to vaccinate.
“In practice, the vaccination of most children aged 5—11 requires the consent of both parents. Even a child who is not capable of independently deciding on a vaccination should be informed about the vaccination in an age-appropriate manner. The child's opinion should be ascertained, if possible, considering the child's age and development level”, Mia Kontio says.
The most common adverse effects of coronavirus vaccines on children are mild and temporary
According to information from other countries, the most common adverse effects in children have been similar to those observed in vaccinated persons over 12 years of age. “Most of the adverse effects are mild and temporary, for example, redness and swelling at the point of vaccination, fever and headache, fatigue, muscle pain, and chills”, says Chief Physician Emmi Sarvikivi at THL.
Being vaccinated protects the child, as well as people close to them against coronavirus disease, and especially its severe form. Although children rarely catch severe coronavirus disease, a clinical picture requiring hospitalisation, prolonged symptoms, and secondary diseases are possible also with children.
Vaccination of children at high risk from COVID-19 is possible under the COVID-19 vaccination regulation currently in force. People under 12 who are not in a high-risk group will not be vaccinated in Finland for the time being. The National Advisory Committee on Vaccines (KRAR) and THL are currently considering if coronavirus vaccines should be offered to all children aged 5-11. A decision on the vaccines will be made by the Ministry for Social Affairs and Health and the government.
The coronavirus vaccine is voluntary and free of charge to all.
Further information:
Mia Kontio
Chief Specialist
THL
[email protected]
Anniina Virkku
Medical Specialist
THL
[email protected]
Emmi Sarvikivi
Chief Physician
THL
[email protected]
