FILE PHOTO: A computer image created by Nexu Science Communication together with Trinity College in Dublin, shows a model structurally representative of a betacoronavirus which is the type of virus linked to COVID-19, shared with Reuters on February 18, 2020. NEXU Science Communication/via REUTERS
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� Multisystem inflammatory syndrome could be a potential long-term effect among children who contracted COVID-19, says a Philippine Medical Association (PMA) official on Monday.
鈥淚to 鈥榶ung namamaga 鈥榶ung mga parte ng katawan nila na hindi ma-explain 鈥榶ung ibang sakit na kung minsan ito ay sanhi ng COVID sa bata na pwede itong umulit,鈥� PMA President Dr. Benito Atienza said during the Laging Handa public briefing.
(This is when parts of the body get inflamed and they cannot explain the pain. At times it could be caused by COVID among children and it can recur.)
鈥淚to ang iniiwasan natin na magkaroon sila at as usual ang karaniwang sintomas sa mga tao, ubo sipon, itong nagkaka-pneumonia,鈥� he added.
(We are avoiding this and the usual symptoms include cough, colds, or pneumonia.)
Out of the 15-million target among minors aged five to 11, only 69,800 have been vaccinated and no major adverse effects were listed.
鈥淒u鈥檔 sa 69,800, wala pa naman pong major adverse effects na na-report,鈥� said Atienza.
(Of the 69,800, there are no adverse effects reported.)
Atienza likewise noted that vaccine hesitancy among parents to get their children immunized has decreased.
鈥淎ctually, nababawasan naman. Ang mga tanong na nga ngayon is kailan dadating sa probinsya 鈥榶ung bakuna,鈥� he said.
(Actually, the hesitancy declined. The question we receive now is when would the vaccines arrive in the provinces.)
Pediatric COVID-19 vaccination among minors aged five to 11 commenced on February 7.