Just hours after the FDA approved COVID-19 vaccines for kids under 12, my sister, Kelly, was texting the family chat. “CVS is taking appointments!” she wrote, and before long, my kids were prepped and ready to get their shots. Of course, I teared up when they received their vaccinations; it felt like a long-awaited milestone since the pandemic began, knowing they were now at significantly lower risk of severe illness. But don’t think for a second that just because they’re vaccinated, we’ll be ditching our masks. Winter is here, and we’re still covering our faces. I just ordered more masks from Amazon.
And I have plenty of reasons for this.
Reason 1: COVID Vaccines Aren’t a Guarantee
Let’s be clear: COVID vaccines weren’t designed to completely prevent infection but to reduce the risk of severe outcomes. I’m incredibly grateful my kids won’t die from COVID thanks to their vaccinations. Still, we don’t know much about vaccinated kids and their risk of developing MIS-C, a serious condition that can cause organ failure. I suspect the risk is low, but it’s not zero. Plus, what if they catch COVID and unknowingly spread it to someone more vulnerable? That’s just not cool.
We also know that vaccine effectiveness can wane over time. For instance, one study indicated that the Pfizer vaccine was only about 50% effective at preventing infection 19 weeks after the second shot. That’s why the push for booster shots is so crucial. And let’s not forget that even with a 90% efficacy rate, there’s still a 10% chance of infection. Living in a part of the country where some folks are skeptical about vaccinations means our rates remain low. So, just in case my kids fall into that 10%, we’re masking up like Johnny Cash in black.
Reason 2: Masks Protect Against More Than COVID
When people breathe, they release all sorts of germs: cold viruses, flu viruses, and those “aerosol particles” the CDC talks about. Honestly, I don’t want to inhale anyone’s aerosolized particles. That’s just nasty. Masks not only help prevent COVID but also reduce the risk of catching colds and the flu—especially if we’re diligent about hand hygiene and getting flu shots (PSA: please get your flu shot). Nobody enjoys being sick, and we all know how that family sickness cycle goes: one kid gets sick, then the other, and before you know it, the parents are down for the count too, all while the kids are running amok. Wearing masks can help us avoid that exhausting scenario, so count me in. My kids will look adorable in their little surgeon masks all winter long!
Reason 3: Masks Are for the Greater Good
I care about my community. I believe we all have a role to play in protecting public health. If my kids are carrying any germs, wearing masks will help prevent them from spreading illness to others. This isn’t a new concept; many people in Asian countries have worn masks for years as a polite gesture during cold and flu season.
But I’m Not Overdoing It
If my kids are playing outside, they won’t wear masks because viruses don’t spread as easily in sunlight. When they’re with family or in small groups, I doubt they’ll mask up either. However, in public spaces, we’ll be wearing our masks to stay safe and healthy.
Before COVID, I was never one of those parents dragging my kids to indoor places during flu season. I’d tell them, “It’s cold and flu season, and you know how kids can be.” They understood that other kids are basically germ factories. It took a pandemic to make me a mask-wearing mom, but I have to admit, I’m okay with that. Until we have a better handle on this pandemic, masks are here to stay. So, don’t expect to see my kids’ faces for a while, maybe not until they turn eighteen.
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Summary
Even after vaccination, my kids will continue to wear masks throughout the winter. The vaccines provide protection against severe illness, but we must remain cautious about other viruses and the health of our community. Masks not only help keep my family safe but also prevent the spread of illness to others. While we won’t obsess over masking in outdoor settings or close family gatherings, we’ll be diligent in public spaces, ensuring our health and the well-being of those around us.
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