A CHILD rights group expressed alarm over the increasing number of Covid19 cases among children and adolescents in the country.

Save the Children Philippines noted that over 48,000 children aged 19 and below have been infected as of February 2021. Of this number, 40.2 percent are from the 15 to 20 year-old-age group, 17.4 percent are aged 5 to 9, and 18.5 percent aged four and below.

“The symptoms of children should not be disregarded,” Dr. Cecilia Francisco, director for Thematic Programs of Save the Children Philippines, said in a statement.

“Children with Covid19 generally have milder effects and better prognosis than adults but those who have underlying diseases have higher risks to experience severe illnesses,” she added.

Since vaccination of minors against Covid19 is not yet allowed, Save the Children Philippines believed that the greatest protection that can be given to them is for adults to get vaccinated.

“The sooner this is done, the greater chances for children and adolescents to rise in the priority list,” the group said.

Meanwhile, Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children Philippines, stressed that minors must continue to receive other life-saving immunizations and health nutrition services necessary for their survival.

“We call on the government to ensure that all children will have safe and inclusive access to basic childhood vaccines and receive routine immunization for vaccine-preventable diseases, even at the time of pandemic,” Muyot said.