Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – As many as 12.6 percent of the SARS-CoV-2 infection that causes COVID-19 cases in Indonesia affect children, the General Chairperson of the Central Executive Board of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) Aman Pulungan has said.

"National data show that 12.6 percent of positive COVID-19 cases are in the range of 0 to 18 years old," he was quoted by Antara news agency as saying here on Tuesday (June 29).

According to Aman, of the eight people infected with COVID-19, one is a child, making them belong to the high-risk group.

He explained that children could be infected with COVID-19 and die, depending on the comorbidities they have.

"These comorbidities could happen to anyone, including toddlers and teenagers. The comorbidities include obesity, tuberculosis, hypertension and others," Aman said.

With those conditions, the association has recommended that 10 percent of the total child population in Indonesia get COVID-19 vaccine shots.

"One of the 83 deaths due to COVID-19 is an Indonesian child. This needs attention and vigilance so that people without symptoms must do self-isolation. However, those with comorbidities and infections need to consult with health experts to prevent from more severe conditions," he said.

Aman added, children could also infect their family members.

"I stress that all activities for children aged 0 to 18 years old must be held online, and children should not leave houses, abide by health protocols and must get full immunization, while infants must get breastfeeding," he said.

IDAI appreciates the government's policy of prioritizing children aged 12 to 17 years old in the national COVID-19 vaccination program.

Reporting by Indonesia Window