According to the National Institute of Disaster Management, there is little data to imply that a third Covid wave will impact children more than adults, but there is still “reason for anxiety, if not panic” as long as they are not vaccinated and current medical facilities are inadequate.

“Paediatric facilities – doctors and equipment, like ventilators and ambulances, are nowhere close to what may be required in case a large number of children become infected,” the NIDM, which operates under the Home Ministry, said as part of a report on recommendations to prep for the third wave.

The NIDM also red-flagged the issue of co-morbidities (leading to weakened immune systems) among infected children, and said their vaccination must be an “immediate priority”. Between 60 and 70 per cent of Covid-positive children have co-morbidities, according to Health Ministry data.

With the approval of Zydus Cadila’s three-dose RNA vaccine for children over 12 by the national drug authority last week, the issue of vaccinations for youngsters has been at least partially settled. However, the rollout has yet to begin; Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has stated that it would begin “very soon.”

Also being addressed is the lack of proper child healthcare facilities. States have begun constructing hospitals and forming task teams to stockpile vital medical supplies, medications, and oxygen.

According to the research, one of the most important considerations in the construction of new paediatric facilities is to guarantee that they can accommodate both children and their parents, in order to reduce the mental and emotional burden of being hospitalised.

Linked to concerns over a possible third wave and its impact on children is the question of re-opening schools. The NIDM report referenced a micro-district strategy proposed by the World Health Organisation to ensure schools can be re-opened with minimal risk of virus transmission.