As children between the ages of 5 to 12 years have shown more resistance to the Covid-19 virus, the administration of anti Covid-19 vaccines to this age group may not be necessary, The Morning learns. Speaking to The Morning, Pediatric Chest Physician Dr. Channa De Silva expressed that children infected with Covid-19 do not show signs of severe disease. “Children in this age group have proven to be more resistant to the virus. We barely see infection transmitted between children, whereas transmission from adults to children is higher. Also, children do not end up with severe disease, only 1% end up with pneumonia, which is also treatable. In my experience, I do not see children with severe disease caused by Covid-19," said Dr De Silva. Further, he stated that parents should not stop children from going to school as children have been severely psychologically affected. "Children should be sent to school because the psychological aspect should be considered. With limited social interaction, children are now psychologically falling sick. We see children who complain of chest tightness and breathing difficulties, but their saturation is fine. When we talk to them, we realise that they are imagining that they are sick. This needs to stop as children should learn to adapt and live more freely. The closure of schools will affect children mentally as they tend to have less emotional connections with people and will later on lead to bad behavior also," he stated. Dr. De Silva also said that the Covid-19 virus will not leave anytime soon, so children need to learn to live with the precautionary measures and slowly bring the situation back to normalcy. When queried on whether he thinks children with comorbidities should be given vaccines, Dr. De Silva mentioned that the vaccine roll-out should not be done in a rush. "The vaccine is still new. We have only started vaccinating older children. I don't think that a risk should be taken with smaller children as yet because physically they are much stronger, contrary to popular belief. But, with further testing, I am sure the authorities will make the right decision in due time," he added. It was also stressed that it is the adults of the country who should be more careful in terms of the pandemic. “The virus has shown a greater transmission rate from adults to adults. Thus, if we want the country to continue freely, we must remember that it is the responsibility of adults to ensure that they do not contract the virus and spread it in their homes," concluded Dr De Silva. Further to the recent statement made by Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath, who detailed that the health sector might request the closure of schools to prevent the spread of the virus, The Morning reached out to him to understand the current status quo on vaccinating children. "Testing of the Covid vaccines on children is relatively new. Though other countries are administering the vaccines on children above the age of 5 years, we have not received the clearance as yet. But, if the vaccines are given to children, it will be good as children can continue with their physical classroom education without interruption. I think children with comorbidities should be given first priority as their health is more delicate," said Dr Herath. He too added that children have been affected a lot due to the lack of physical interaction of peers, resulting in many children displaying negativity towards social interaction. "Children have become accustomed to screens such as mobile phones and computers. This is not very good both for behavior as well as their physical health. With the vaccine administered in children, we can keep schools open and we will not have to worry about the spread of the virus and children falling sick," he said. Both Dr De Silva and Dr Herath reiterated that despite the vaccines being administered, people should continue the practice of wearing face masks, maintaining hand hygiene and social distancing, as it will prevent not only the Covid virus, but any communicable disease.