Guidelines on Operationalization of COVID Care Services for Children & Adolescents-MOHFW
Executive Summary
1. Based on sero-surveillence reports, COVID 19 infection in children above 10 years of age occurs in similar frequency to that of adults, even though, among the confirmed cases <12% are individuals < 20 yr age.
2. Children have less severe disease than adults. In the majority, infection is asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic. It is uncommon to have moderate to severe covid in healthy children. Children with co-morbid conditions have more severe manifestations and poorer outcomes; they should be a priority group for vaccination, once vaccines are approved for children.
3. It is anticipated that there may be intermittent surges in the number of cases. A combined effort from private & public sector is needed to handle any surge in future after the withdrawal of the lockdown, school re-opening or as third wave over next 3-4 months.
4. The basic principles of equity and dignity of care should be followed.
5. The estimates for additional bed capacity for pediatric care may be calculated based on the peak daily cases in different districts during the second wave. From this number, projections for pediatric cases and number of admissions required can be derived.
6. It is desirable to augment the existing covid care facilities to provide care to children with acute covid. This will need additional pediatric specific equipment, infrastructure, and pediatric formulations. Also, adequate number of trained manpower- both doctors and nurses should be provided. The health authorities should initiate capacity building programs for appropriate pediatric care. In standalone paediatric hospitals, separate
arrangements for example – separate bed for paediatric COVID care need to be established.
7. It is desirable to designate specific areas in the COVID facilities for pediatric care. These facilities should allow parents to accompany the child.
8. For children with MIS-C, who test negative for acute COVID, care has to be provided by the existing pediatric facilities. These facilities also need augmentation esp. HDU and ICU services.
9. The document provides guidance about additional requirements for infrastructure, equipment and manpower.
10. The management protocols for children with acute COVID and MIS-C have been developed by the MoHFW*
Most drugs used in adults such as Ivermectin/ HCQ/ Favipiravir/ Antibiotics such as Doxycycline or Azithromycin have not been tested in children for prevention or treatment of COVID infection in children. Therefore, these are not recommended in children.
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| INFORMATION OF PDF FILE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD | |
| Title of PDF File | Guidelines on Operationalization of COVID Care Services for Children and Adolescents |
| Language of PDF File | English |
| Size of PDF File | 2.6 MB |
| No of Pages in PDF File | 58 |