The Ministry of Health Malaysia has issued a media statement regarding Vaccination Program for Children Aged 5-11 Years – media statement as follows:

• Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has been monitoring the status of COVID-19 infection, especially in adolescents and children.

• From 25 January 2020 to 19 January 2022, the total number of COVID-19 cases involving individuals under the age of 18 was 579,624 cases. Of the total, 269,773 cases involved children aged 5 to 11 years.

• Although children usually experience only mild symptoms, several children experience severe symptoms and need treatment in hospitals, including in the intensive care unit (ICU).

• In total, 144 deaths were recorded as a result of COVID-19 infection among the population aged 18 years and below. Of that number, 31 deaths involved children aged 5 to 11 years.

• Recently, there has been an increase in COVID-19 infection among children, especially after the opening of schools in early 2022. Also, the new Omicron variant is more easily spread and has a high potential to infect children as well as adults.

• Data obtained from countries affected by the Omicron variant also show that there is an increase in hospital admissions among children.

To read the full translated Ministry of Health media statement, please contact [email protected]

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