Taiwan’s government recently announced that it would give COVID-19 vaccines to children aged 6 to 11. While the policy might come as a comfort to some parents, others are voicing concern.
It’s a strange time to be an educator in Taiwan right now. Many schools are shut down due to COVID-19, with some classes continuing remotely.
But measures are in place to protect young kisd. On Sunday, the government authorized giving children between ages 6 and 11 half-doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The plan is to give two half-dose shots four weeks apart. The UK and Australia also give Moderna jabs to children in that age range, but the two shots are given 12 weeks apart. Comparatively, Taiwan’s four-week interval seems short. Some parents are now concerned this vaccination plan will put their kids at risk.
Pediatrician Huang Li-min says the government should consider separating children within the age group into two more categories. Children on the younger end would get smaller vaccine doses, while kids on the older end could get regular dosages.
Cardiologist Lin Wei-wen says that children without pre-existing conditions can get vaccinated first. However, for mommies and daddies who are still on the fence about getting their children vaccinated, it’s best to consult a doctor first.