Kids may be severely infected in rare cases: Experts

New Delhi: Even though studies have shown that children are less prone to develop serious infection of Covid-19, steps to ensure preparedness of health infrastructure and services are being taken so that children are protected against any mutation or surge in cases in future, the government said.

“A comprehensive plan in the form of guidelines for operationalisation of paediatric Covid care has been prepared and preparations to take full care of children are in full swing. Both public and private sector facilities will participate and ensure required facilities and services are in place,” Niti Aayog member V K Paul said.

However, he maintained that chances were that only isolated cases of severe infection would happen among children. “The information shows that children were infected but it was very mild. Only isolated cases of infection may occur in children,” he added.


“Studies have also shown that children have equal susceptibility as adults, so we have to be ready to ensure that we are in a position to cater to them in case numbers rise again,” Dr Paul said, referring to the seropositivity survey conducted by WHO-AIIMS which showed that the prevalent Covid-19 variant was unlikely to disproportionately affect children.

Findings of the study, conducted among children of 2-17 years age from March 15 to June 10, showed sero-prevalence was 55.7% in the less than 18 years group and 63.5% among adults of 18 years and above. “In urban areas, it is 78% in those below 18 and 79% in above 18,” Dr Paul said.