Under instructions of the Da Nang People's Committee, the local healthcare sector and relevant agencies are jointly running Phase 2 of  vaccination administration against COVID-19 for Da Nang children aged 5 -11 till May 6 

The vaccination against COVID-19 for children aged 5 - 11 continues to be implemented, ensuring safety and effectiveness. A medical staffer gives a COVID-19 vaccine dose to middle school student in Hai Chau District. Photo: PHAN CHUNG

As reported that, a total of 10,300 Moderna doses of 0.25ml each were administered to eligible children across the city in Phase 1 in a smooth manner. The administration of vaccines doses took place at 8 injection points across the city, including the Tien Son Sports Arena and the Da Nang Oncology Hospital.

As observed at these injection sites, doctors carefully carried out pre-inoculation health screening of children, especially learning about the child's COVID-19 contraction history, post-immunisation monitoring to first aid and guiding parents in how to take care of their children, particularly those with post-injection reactions.

Truong Van Trinh, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Health said that Phase 2 of the vaccination rollout for children is running from April 28 to May 6 with a total of 14,800 Moderna doses administered to 14,800 children.

Accordingly, the health sector has set up 44 injection tables at 8 injection points across the districts.

The inoculation will be organised in the form of a roll-up from large to small ages, classified by school and by district and ward/commune with heed to ensuring children’s safety and inoculation efficiency.

One of the requirements to which units and establishments must pay special attention is to perform pre-injection screening under the guidance of the Ministry of Health.

In particular, it is noted that carefully exploiting the child's COVID-19 contraction history during screening and having an indication to delay vaccination after 3 months of illness according to the instructions.

The monitoring and handling of adverse events after vaccination against COVID-19 need special attention.

Accordingly, after vaccination, children need to be monitored for at least 30 minutes right at the vaccination site. Health staff shall instruct parents and guardians to closely monitor the vaccinated at home within 24 hours and continue monitoring within 28 days after inoculation, especially within the first 7 days after vaccinations, on signs of general condition, mental, eating, sleeping, breathing, rash, symptoms at injection sites.

The common side effects of the Moderna vaccine include lymph node swelling, headaches, nausea, muscle and joint pains, injection site pain, chills, fevers, swelling and/or rashes at the injection site, according to the ministry.

Meanwhile, diarrhoea, rashes, and dermographic urticaria are common side effects at injection sites.

Reporting by PHAN CHUNG – Translating by A.THU