From 16 December onward any child aged 5 years or older will have access to Covid-19 vaccines in Latvia. Vaccination is especially recommended for children suffering from different chronic diseases, including obesity, sugar diabetes, serious immune system problems, cardiovascular diseases, kidney problems and oncological diseases, as reported by chairman of Latvian National Health Service’s National Immunisation Council, Prof. Dace Zavadska at a press-conference on 15 December.
Children suffering from chronic diseases, similarly to adults, are at a higher risk of Covid-19 infection. Covid-19 presents more than just the risk of side-illnesses for children. In Latvia there have been cases when children developed paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome with persistent fever, redness of the eyes, gastrointestinal disorders and other manifestations after Covid-19 infection, says Zavadska.
«Parents of children in the risk group are the ones who have waited for Covid-19 vaccine option the most. Child vaccination is also something parents of children aged 9 to 11 years have been asking about a lot as well. Vaccination would allow them to return to their normal life with minimal restrictions. As it is known, research shows that lasting house-sitting and restrictions negatively affect children’s and youngsters’ social life and development,» as reported by Mammamuntetiem.lv manager Inga Akmentiņa-Smildziņa.
«Latvia has responded quickly and has made all preparations to successfully commence vaccination of children aged 5 to 11 years. We have successfully organised the vaccination process and vaccine supplies,» reports National Health Service’s Vaccination Project Office manager Eva Juhņēviča.
Covid-19 vaccination of children aged under 11 years is performed by general practitioners and healthcare institutions (polyclinics, healthcare centre and hospitals). It is possible to sign up for child vaccination at their general practitioner or by dialling 8989. It is recommended to check first if the healthcare institution in question has Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccine for children.
Vaccination is performed in the presence of the child’s parents or legal guardian.
For child vaccination it is necessary to bring personal ID for children and their parents or legal guardians, as well as a birth certificate.
Vaccination certificates for children aged 5 to 11 years are generated on the 15th day after receiving the second jab. Parents or guardians will be able to download them from the website https://covid19sertifikats.lv/.
Latvia commences Covid-19 vaccination of 5-11 year old children
