Experts have been predicting that the third wave of Covid-19 could hit India as early as August/September, with many fearing that it could affect children disproportionately. The common explanation is that since many adults would have had the infection or taken the Covid-19 vaccine by then, in comparison, children would be the most susceptible population.

During the second wave, there was a rise in the number of post-Covid complications in children including multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). This concern is coupled with the lack of easily accessible resources such as a list of children’s hospitals, ambulances, paediatric staff, ventilators, oxygen cylinders and helpline numbers, leaving the adult/parent population worried and restless. The fact that this is the unvaccinated age group, making it more vulnerable to the virus, it is critical that the administration has a robust plan in place to tackle the impending third wave.