We recommend urgent expansion of a vaccination program for adolescents and school-age children against SARS-CoV-2 infection in the Western Pacific region. Since July 2021, SARS-CoV-2 infections in children have increased rapidly in this region. As infection rates rise due to the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant, current preventive strategies such as mask wearing and social distancing have controlled its spread effectively. Prolonged school closure is currently being promoted to suppress virus spread among children. However, the negative impact of prolonged school closure is significant. Although vaccination of children under 12 is still controversial, preparations must be made now for their vaccination.
【저자키워드】 COVID-19, Vaccine, Asia, Adolescent, School-aged children, Western Pacific region, 【초록키워드】 vaccination, social distancing, SARS-COV-2 infection, children, variant, Delta, B.1.617.2, Spread, infection rate, Prolonged, virus spread, suppress, promoted, the SARS-CoV-2, 【제목키워드】 children, vaccinate,