HomeAnswersPediatricscovid vaccinationCan my 2-year-old premature daughter get a COVID vaccination?

Can a 2-year-old baby born prematurely get vaccinated for Covid-19?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At March 22, 2024
Reviewed AtMarch 22, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My daughter is turning two in a week, but she was born extremely premature at 24 weeks. She had severe BPD and required intubation for several months. However, since the removal of the oxygen supplement, she has not experienced any lung issues. Although she had rhinitis twice with a mild cough, she successfully recovered within a few days at home. Doctors have consistently noted clear lung sounds during examinations. Additionally, she has a small CHD known as LPA stenosis, likely a result of PDA clipping in the NICU. The stenosis is quite mild gradient of (16 mm/hg) and the cardiologist says that if it remains like that, there is no need for surgery and she can lead a normal life. My inquiry pertains to vaccination, specifically regarding COVID-19, and I value your opinion. She has received vaccinations for RSV (Synagis) and the seasonal flu, but not for COVID-19. When we asked her pediatrician about the COVID vaccine, he seemed hesitant, expressing that it is not recommended for her at the moment. It appears that pediatricians here are not actively advocating COVID vaccination for toddlers. I'm reaching out to gather your thoughts on whether we should insist on the COVID vaccine for her. Unfortunately, I contracted COVID last week, but fortunately, my symptoms are mild, akin to a bad cold. I am, of course, maintaining distance from my wife and daughter. Considering your experience, could you share insights into toddlers, especially former premature infants, contracting COVID? Are we at a disadvantage for not getting her vaccinated? I appreciate your guidance on this matter. Best regards, Benjamin

Infants of this age group and more particularly those who have had a stormy course in the NICU (Specially those with Chronic Lung Disease/Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia) are extremely susceptible to various respiratory tract infections as the lung formation in these cases is still taking place and new lung tissue is being made. Hence, Vaccination in such cases becomes very important. The usual recommendations are Pneumococcal, RSV, COVID and Flu Shots. COVID vaccines and RSV vaccines are relatively new and are sometimes not even available in various centres/countries. Some of the brands are not licensed for use in children as well. More research and more vaccine manufacturers are required on this front to tackle this issue. Currently there are few brands/companies that are licensed for producing these vaccines. As a result many children who are ideal candidates for the vaccine miss out on them. In my personal experience, most children in the pandemic who have had COVID have mostly had mild symptoms with few exceptions. COVID is here to stay, just like Swine Flu. In either case, the mortality/morbidly in children as of date is quite low. Hence, I would suggest that if available around you, COVID vaccine would be recommended. If not available, you are not necessarily at a severe disadvantage. I hope this answers your doubt surrounding the vaccine.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim
Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim

Pediatrics

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