(ANSA) – ROME, DEC 15 – The so-called “long COVID” is present in 7% of coronavirus cases in children, the President of the Superior Health Council (CSS) Franco Locatelli said on Wednesday.

“About 7% of children can develop prolonged symptoms of Long Covid,” he said at a press conference on the roll-out of the vaccine for children in Italy.

“These figures say why we must greet with joy the fact that Italian families can take the opportunity to immunize their children.” Hr said giving children the COVID jab “helps ensure school attendance, in-person instruction and recreational activities which are very important for proper psychological development.” Locatelli added that among children in Italy there are currently 65 hospitalizations for COVID-19 per 10,000 cases of infection.

The Italian association of pediatricians said at the same press conference that there are currently 250,000 cases of COVID among 5 to 11 year olds in Italy, which corresponds to a “strong social malaise”. (ANSA).