Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 February 2022
69. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of children who needed hospital treatment as a result of contracting Covid-19; the measures he is taking to deal with the long-term effects on children form the virus specifically, the research and long-term studies of effects and numbers affected and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7962/22]
View answerCOVID-19 is a new disease so information on it, its features, incidence and course are still emerging. My Department, and the HSE, continue to review new evidence, research and data as it emerges, internationally and nationally, to ensure care is in place for all adults and children who need it.
As of midnight 8th Feb, 1,745 children with a confirmed case of COVID19 have been recorded on the national Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting system as having been hospitalised since the start of the pandemic. However, it would not be accurate to say definitively that this is the number of children hospitalised due to COVID19 – some may have been admitted to hospital for conditions other than COVID19.
Fortunately, most children with COVID19 infection have asymptomatic or mild disease. The incidence of severe disease and hospitalisation of children with COVID19 is low. The international evidence to date is that the incidence of Long COVID in children is rare and mainly of short duration.
The HSE has developed an interim model of care for Long Covid and this includes paediatrics. I am informed by the HSE that they are establishing post-acute and Long Covid services across the country and that they will continue to monitor cases of COVID19 to assess and plan for associated needs.
People who have had Covid-19 and are in need of further care are being followed up by their GP or in hospital settings as clinically appropriate. Adults and children with concerns regarding Long COVID are advised to consult with their GP in the first instance.
