It’s almost here, everyone! The FDA advisory committee has recommended the Pfizer COVID vaccine for children aged 5-11. We’re just waiting on the FDA to authorize it under emergency use, followed by a recommendation from the CDC, and then it should be available. Dr. Smith estimates that children will be able to start getting vaccinated in early November. Exciting!
I understand that not every parent is eager to jump on board as soon as the vaccine is available at their local pharmacy or pediatrician’s office. A recent Gallup poll indicated that about 55% of parents plan to vaccinate their kids against COVID, while 45% are hesitant. I get it—this is a divisive issue, and while I have strong convictions about the necessity of vaccinations for everyone eligible, I respect that some parents have their concerns.
Here’s why I believe my 9-year-old son will be vaccinated as soon as possible:
- COVID Can Be Serious for Kids
Children are generally considered to be resilient, but COVID is not just a mild illness. While it’s typically less severe in children compared to adults, it can still lead to serious complications. As highlighted by former Surgeon General Dr. Mark Johnson, COVID was a leading cause of death among children last month. Approximately 520 children have died from COVID, with 143 in the 5-11 age group. - Long-Term Effects of COVID Are Concerning
Research indicates that around 9% of kids aged 2-11 who contract COVID may experience “long COVID,” where symptoms persist for weeks or even months. Even if that percentage seems low, with thousands of children infected, it translates to a significant number struggling with ongoing health issues, making this a serious concern for me. - I Want My Child to Experience Normalcy
My son has asthma, which has led us to be particularly cautious during the pandemic. He’s back in school, but we’re still avoiding high-risk social situations. Once vaccinated, I hope we can relax our precautions a bit, allowing him to enjoy more of what he’s been missing out on during this time. - Protecting Vulnerable Family Members
My children are aware that their actions can impact others, particularly those who are high-risk, like their grandparents. Being vaccinated will ease my son’s worries about unintentionally transmitting the virus to loved ones, which is important for his peace of mind. - I Trust the Vaccine Development Process
The mRNA technology used in vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna has been studied for over three decades. Millions of individuals, including many children 12 and older, have received these vaccines without major issues. The American Academy of Pediatrics and our family doctor are both in favor of this vaccine, which gives me confidence in its safety and efficacy. - Mild Cases Are Preferred
While no vaccine guarantees absolute immunity, I want the assurance that if my son does contract COVID, it will likely be a mild case. Data shows vaccinated individuals aged 12-18 have a significantly lower risk of severe illness, which is comforting. - Contributing to Safer Schools
More children vaccinated means a reduced likelihood of virus transmission in schools, creating a safer environment for everyone involved. The more children who are vaccinated, the sooner we can ease safety measures and return to a sense of normalcy. - Excited for a Fully Vaccinated Family
With three out of four of our family members fully vaccinated since June, we’ve been cautious due to my unvaccinated child. Knowing that everyone in our household will soon be vaccinated will bring relief and allow us to socialize more freely. - Continuing a History of Vaccination
Although I had my doubts about the many vaccines recommended early in my children’s lives, I took the time to ask questions and understand their significance. I’ve ensured my kids received all the recommended vaccinations, and I see the COVID vaccine as an essential addition to their health care. - I Want This Pandemic to End
Children aged 5-11 represent around 28 million unvaccinated individuals in the U.S. With unvaccinated populations contributing to the majority of infections and hospitalizations, vaccinating kids is vital for controlling the pandemic.
In summary, while every parent has their unique reasons for deciding whether to vaccinate their 5-11 year-olds, I hope my perspective encourages those who are undecided to consider getting their children vaccinated soon. For those on the fence, I recommend seeking information from reputable sources like the CDC and AAP, and discussing your concerns with your pediatrician to get tailored advice.
SEO metadata:
Leave a Reply