KATHMANDU, MARCH 2

The New York State researchers' study during the recent Omicron surge showed that efficacy against infection among five to 11 yearolds who had received Pfizer fell 56 per cent from 68 per cent to 12 per cent while those aged 12-17 only fell 15 per cent.

However the study also showed that during the surge, between mid-December and the end of January, the Pfizer jab was protective against severe disease in children aged five to 11.

Researchers said the results highlight the potential need to study alternative vaccines for children and the importance of mask wearing to prevent transmission.

According to Sky News, some medical professionals have questioned whether the data was robust enough to say that the vaccine's efficacy had declined.

Dr Paul Offit, a paediatric infectious disease expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia said: 'The goal of the vaccine is to protect against severe illness - to keep children out of the hospital'.

He added that it wasn't surprising that protection against mild illness waned due to the Omicron variant, which is 'somewhat immune evasive for protection against mild illness'.

In February, the government announced children aged between five and 11 would be offered a low-dose COVID vaccine. Children in this age group who have other medical conditions that put them at greater risk, but they were eligible for the vaccine.

Younger children receive a lower 10-microgram dose of the vaccine than 12-to 17-year-olds, who receive the same 30-microgram dose as adults and are eligible for a third booster shot.

Guidance on schools from the Department of Education also states that face masks are no longer advised for pupils, staff and visitors in classrooms or communal areas. (Inputs from agencies)

A version of this article appears in the print on March 3, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.