Children aged 5-11 who attend schools under Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will start receiving COVID-19 vaccines from February 28 onwards. The vaccination is scheduled for grade 6 students first, followed by other grades down. Pfizer will be given to 5-6-year-old kids while Pfizer, Sinovac, or the cross formula of the two brands will be given as options to 6-11-year-old kids.
According to the Zoom rehearsal meeting on vaccination guidelines for children aged 5-11 years in schools under Bangkok attended by Deputy Permanent Secretary for Bangkok with administrators from the Education Bureau, 50 Health Offices, district offices, 431 educational institution administrators under BMA, and related agencies, 5-6-year-old kids should receive 2 doses of Pfizer vaccines with 8 weeks apart. Children aged 6-11 years can be vaccinated with three formulas: 2 Pfizers with an 8-week interval, 2 Sinovacs with a 4-week interval, and the crossed formula of Synovac and Pfizer with a 4-week interval. Children who request 2 doses of Pfizer vaccines will attend one of the designated educational institutions. Any choice of vaccines must be made with the consent of the parents.
Vaccines are more beneficial for children because according to the research, they can stimulate the immune system. Therefore, the meeting urged educational institutions to speed up public relations with parents to understand the benefits of vaccines and things to do after the vaccines. Necessary documents such as an ID card (if any) or a birth certificate or the house registration, a parental statement, and a screening form with the parent’s signature are requested on the day of the vaccines.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has prepared the process of providing the COVID-19 vaccines, which is divided into pre-service preparation, providing services through procedural co-vaccine programs, and post-service operations such as follow-up. Clarification of vaccination to parents will be the primary mission of the school. Preparing the premises is the mission of the district office. Providing vaccines is the mission of the Bureau of Health and Health Service Centers. Caring for patients in case of an emergency is the mission of the Medical Office. Other preparations such as a colorful atmosphere, minimized procedures, no weights or height measurements required are made to make children feel comfortable. An explanation with easy language for children is highlighted to reduce their anxiety and foster cooperation.