In Bangkok, a health professional prepares a dose of the Covid-19 vaccine for inoculation earlier this month. Health authorities have been encouraging Covid-19 vaccinations for young children to protect their development as the number of daily inpatients continues to rise. According to Dr. Tares Krassanairawiwong, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, there were 3,085 Covid-19 inpatients from May 28 to June 3, marking a 4% increase from the previous week. The daily average number of inpatients also rose to 440 from 424.
Despite the rise in Covid-19 inpatients, the number of those with lung inflammation fell to 386 from 425, and the number of patients dependent on ventilators also decreased to 243 from 253. However, Covid-19 related fatalities saw an alarming increase, with 68 new deaths last week, a 62% growth from the previous week’s 42 deaths. Dr. Tares notes that 97% of the new fatalities were among elderly individuals, those with underlying diseases, and pregnant women who were not sufficiently vaccinated against the virus. He strongly advises people to receive annual vaccinations to help prevent serious illness and death from Covid-19.
This year, children below one year old had the highest rate of Covid-19 illness, with 1,581 per 100,000 people, followed by those aged 70 and over, at 647 per 100,000. Dr. Tares recommends that parents bring young children in for Covid-19 vaccinations, as international research shows fewer undesirable side effects among young vaccine recipients. These vaccines have proven to be safe for young children, with minor side effects such as fever for a few days, but no severe or dangerous symptoms.
Professor Dr. Kulkalaya Chokpaibulkit, a pediatrician at Siriraj Hospital, emphasizes that vaccination reduces the risks of long Covid symptoms and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). Unvaccinated children with underlying illnesses may suffer from severe and prolonged symptoms, which could potentially impact their overall development. By vaccinating young children, parents can ensure their well-being and protect them from the long-term effects of Covid-19, contributing to a safer, healthier community overall.
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