The Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP) of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics recently issued recommendations on immunization during the ongoing pandemic. Some of the key recommendations are summarized here.

• Routine vaccination during pandemic

The committee recommends that all routine vaccinations should beadministered as per schedule during the pandemic, stating that thebenefits of vaccinationsconsiderably outweigh theassociatedrisks.

• Risk for getting infected with COVID-19 by the hospital/clinic visit 

If social distancing, mask, and sanitization are strictly adhered to, and the recommended COVID-19 related protocols are observed in the vaccination session, the riskis minimal.

• Is there a risk if a child is vaccinated during the incubation period of COVID-19?

No evidence is available till date to state that there is any risk to the vaccinee if vaccination is done during the incubation period of COVID-19. 

• Any change in immunization schedule during the pandemic

There is no need for a change in the existing immunization schedule.

• Missed vaccines 

The vaccination schedule can be resumed. There is no need to restart theseries. Multiple vaccines can be administered in one sitting and there can be minimum permitted interval between two doses of the same inactivated vaccine in order to complete the schedule at the earliest.

• Vaccinee is suspected or confirmed to have SARS-CoV-2 infection

If avaccinee has been infected with COVID-19 or is under quarantine, vaccination must be done after the quarantine periodis over and the clinical condition is stable.Ifthe child has any symptoms of COVID-19, vaccination should be avoided till resolution of symptoms resolve.

• Schedule for vaccination at birth

Vaccination at birth depends on the COVID-19 status of mother and the neonate, and the clinical condition of the baby. The recommendations are summarized below:

*For infant born to mother with HBsAg/HBeAg-positive/Hepatitis B status unknown, hepatitis B vaccination must be given within 24 hours or as early aspossible; hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIg) as per schedule. 

#For infant born to mother with HBsAg/HBeAg-positive/Hepatitis B status unknown, if the baby is stable, hepatitis B vaccination should be given within 24 hours or as early as possible; HBIg as per schedule.

Reference

1. Kasi SG, Dhir SK, Verma S, et al.Immunization During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Recommendations From Indian Academy of Pediatrics Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices.Indian Pediatr 2020;57:1147-1152.