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routines, inability to access proper food and nutrition due to financial insecurity, inability to attend schools, social isolations and more. These challenges can present children with feelings of sadness and anxiety and stress, and adults should be mindful of these emotions.
3. Parents are struggling with their own lives and have problems balancing their family life with their professional career. They may need help them- selves raising and caring for their children during the crisis.
What have we learned so far regarding the COVID-19 vaccine and its variant for children’s vaccination during pandemic? The most notable vaccine manu- facturers are Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Since this is a global pandemic, pharmaceutical companies all over the world are experimenting with new vaccines. The most pertinent vaccine is the Pfizer vaccine, administered in two doses four weeks apart.
What do we know about the new variant of COVID-19? The Delta variant of coronavirus with K417N mutation was first reported in India, however later on similar cases were reported from South Africa, Europe, and other countries from where several mutants have been isolated. These mutants are getting children sick due to being highly transmit- ted through contact.
What is Delta Plus? Delta Plus is a sub lineage of Delta variant first detected in India being carried by bats in mountain caves, and has acquired the spike protein mutation K417N, which is also found in the Beta variant first identified in South Africa. As report- ed by top virologists in India, this variant reduces the effectiveness of a cocktail of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. As of June 16, 2021, at least 197 cases have been reported across Great Britain, Canada, Nepal, Russia, Switzerland, Turkey, Japan, India, and the United States.
The Delta variant carries the genetic code from two other mutations, E484Q and l452R, hence it becomes easy to break into the human immune system. The new variants change the structure of protein and attaches to the human host cell to multiply, causing more damage. This is highly virulent, and attacks vaccinated as well as non-vaccinated individuals. However, vaccinated individuals’ symptoms are lesser, which is why mass vaccinations are advised.
A recent published article from Yale Medicine updated as of July 27, 2021, has described the signifi- cant character of Delta D virus, The World Health Organization, in collaboration with CDC and FDA, has classified this virus as the fastest variant of concern. A recent study from United Kingdom showed that children and adults under 50 are more susceptible to this variant. The Delta variant could lead to hyperlo- cal outbreaks. As reported from the United States
DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022 | WWW.OCMS-MI.ORG
and the United Kingdom, Delta plus has one addition- al mutation called K417N that affects the spike protein that the virus needs to infect cells. This mutation is the main target of antibodies found in the vaccine. With the vaccine, the body is prepared to target the viruses and help produce antibodies in blood to fight infection and symptoms of disease.
According to the WHO, CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, many experiments are being done in scientific labs all over the world to control the emergence of this virus and protect our children. After having written this article, more viral variants have been reported from Africa and Europe. More scientific research is being done all over the world, and of course, the United States and FDA has ap- proved the vaccine for children five to twelve years of age. Further information regarding COVID-19 variants and vaccines may be obtained from the following sources:
www.americanacademyofpediatric.org www.who.org
www.FDA.com
How to keep our children and adolescents safe from COVID-19 and its Delta variants? Children and adolescents can be kept safe through proper immuni- zation, including the flu vaccines and vaccines against the SARS-COV-2 virus. Children should be encouraged to maintain social distance, wear masks as needed, maintain personal cleanliness and proper nutrition, and receive frequent health checkups by their pedia- trician and mental health specialist.
Dr. Niru Prasad is a physician for over 40 years. Dr. Niru Prasad after receiving her medical degree in Bihar, India, completed her residency a Children’s Hospital of Michigan. She is certified in Pediatric and Emergency
Medicine. Dr. Prasad is a retired emeritus physi- cian of the American College of Emergency Physicians and the American Academy of Pediat- rics. She is a senior staff physician affiliated with Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital in Pontiac, and Beau- mont Health in Royal Oak. Dr. Prasad has written numerous articles on many different health issues for local newsletters and newspapers. Dr. Prasad’s articles can be read on her website, www.doctorniruprasad.com.
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