PETALING JAYA: While health experts say it is crucial for children under 12 to be vaccinated against Covid-19 infection, parents remain divided due to worries about possible long-term effects.

       Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia health economics, hospital and health management’s Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said the benefits of child vaccination were high as this would prevent children from being infected and hospitalised, as well as death.

       If they were not vaccinated, the risk of getting infected with Covid-19 was higher, including having severe complications, she said.

       “This is especially scary since we are facing an impending Omicron outbreak. It is likely many will get infected.

       “Also, as the number of the adult population who have received the booster shot is only around 40%, this protection is necessary for our young children,” she said in an interview yesterday.

       Dr Sharifa said most children were eligible to receive the vaccination, except if they had a history of severe allergic reaction or had acute illnesses.

       She advised parents who had doubts to consult their family doctor or a trained health professional.

       “Paediatricians and health experts worldwide agree that the benefits of the Covid-19 vaccine for young children outweigh the extremely rare and mild risks of the shot. “It is also crucial that children are vaccinated widely to protect them and add to the national herd immunity, so that people can revert back to their normal lives once the virus is considered endemic,” she said.

       Agreeing, Universiti Putra Malaysia epidemiologist Assoc Prof Dr Malina Osman said vaccinating children would also stop the emergence of new variants and prevent clusters from occurring at schools.

       “Data so far have shown that the benefits of vaccines among children outweigh its risks.

       “All parents should bring their children aged five to 12 for vaccination. This will also help their social life to return to normal,” she said.

       However, many parents feel that they are caught between a rock and a hard place.

       Emma Tan said she would comply with the government’s directive to vaccinate her eight-year-old child, although she had reservations about it.

       “I have taken my booster shot but when it comes to my child, I am rather circumspect in this matter.

       “My greatest concern is how safe it is for children at this age and what effects will there be when they grow up,” said the 40-year-old senior financial executive.

       K. Letchumy said she would allow her 10-year-old to be jabbed as she was afraid that if he remained unvaccinated, he might not be able to attend school.

       “There might be new rules in the future that will prevent kids from attending school if they are unvaccinated. I don’t want that to happen. So, it is best that we just get this over and done with,” said the 45-year-old freelancer.

       George Lee said he was still on the fence about vaccinating his five-year-old.

       “I think there is too much risk. I am not an anti-vaxxer as I have been vaccinated myself, but I am fearful of the effects it will have on my only child,” said the 35-year-old IT manager.