The past 18 months have been scary for parents. It’s hard to pinpoint a time when mothers and fathers had to worry so much about their children and elderly parents at the same time. Now, the COVID-19 vaccine many have been waiting for is here. However, many parents still have questions and some reservations about COVID vaccinations for kids. So let’s work together to provide accurate information about mRNA vaccines and safety.
The Vaccine has Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA For Kids
Johns Hopkins Medicine pens an excellent resource about the safety of emergency use authorization COVID vaccinations for children. Authors Anna Christina Sick Samuels, MD, MPH, and Allison Messina, MD., cover many of the concerns parents have about the recent approval of Phizer for adolescents ages 12 to 15. Currently, permission is still pending for Moderna, the maker of the other vaccination approved for individuals ages 16 and older in the U.S.
The doctor’s recommendation to parents? Yes, vaccinate your children for COVID. It’s true. Most kids indeed get milder versions of the virus than adults. However, the data shows that’s not always the case. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, as of May 20, 2021, nearly 4 million children have tested positive for COVID-19. In the week ending on May 15, 2021, around 40,000 kids tested positive for the virus. Sadly, that’s the lowest number the medical community has recorded in months. Overall, kids make up 14% of the coronavirus cases in the U.S.
Although hospitalizations aren’t as high as adults, 1.3% to 3.2% of children were hospitalized because of severe COVID symptoms. Similar to hospitalizations, death from the coronavirus is rare for children. However, 43 states have reported a mortality rate for kids. The U.S.’s mortality rate is upwards of 0.20%. Yes, that’s a minimal number. But, would that matter if it was your child?
Testing is Ongoing for Children Ages 2 to 12
What about children under 12? That’s an excellent question. Unfortunately, while the science is close, pharmaceutical companies are still finalizing the studies. Nonetheless, the companies believe emergency approval for use will occur before the beginning of the next school year. However, if the efficiency for children under 12 matches those 12 and older, it looks good. Vaccine manufacturer Moderna stated that their vaccine is 93% effective two weeks after the first dose.
As of May, 144 children ages five and under are participating in the vaccine trials for Pfizer. The trial will follow the young children for two years to monitor for side effects. So far, no significant problems have been reported. So why are some parents subjecting their children to trial vaccinations?
Angelica LaCour, one of the mothers, explains,
“I think it’s just really important to highlight that we’re not going to get to herd immunity as a country if children are not vaccinated. We don’t know the long-term impacts of the virus. And we know that this is a well-tolerated vaccine that’s saving people’s lives. And it’s important that our children get that as well.”
Vaccine maker Pfizer, which already has approval for children ages 12 to 15, also hopes to be eligible for emergency use approval by September. As of March, all trials showing the vaccine is 100% effective in the 12 to 15 age group.
mRNA vaccines are Safe
Adult vaccine hesitancy is leading the way for children. Therefore, it’s essential to provide all factual information about the COVID-19 vaccine to get people to look past their fears and get vaccinated. One of the fears is based on the mRNA vaccine process. However, it’s vital to know this isn’t a live virus and won’t change your DNA. Instead, it plays a messenger and uses data from a similar virus to train your immune system to fight COVID-19. Scientists have been working with these vaccination types for decades and believe the mRNA vaccine is the future of immunization.
Help Protect Your Community
Vaccinations are about more than the individual. They’re about protecting the community. When 70% or more of the population is vaccinated, it provides life-saving protections for people who can’t get vaccinated. If you’re wondering, “Who medically can’t be vaccinated?”
There are many reasons to object to vaccinations. Many people claim religious and personal exemptions. Unfortunately, some people can’t safely get any vaccinations. For example, immunocompromised individuals, such as those undergoing cancer treatment or taking autoimmune disease medications that reduce natural immunities, can’t get vaccinated. Another group that can get vaccinated, but must take precautions, includes individuals with past allergic reactions to any ingredients in the vaccine.
Additionally, after approval is given for ages two to 12, children under two still can’t receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Although trials will start with kids under age two, approval is most likely at least a year away, if not more. So when you choose to vaccinate yourself and your children, you’re helping protect these people, including newborns and young kids, that aren’t eligible for the vaccination.
How are Teenagers 16 and Older Doing?
A recent study found some adolescents 16 and older vaccinated experienced myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle. But, despite the uptick in reports from the press, the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices investigated reports and did not find it was occurring more frequently in vaccinated youths.
Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at the University of Pennsylvania, advised CNN,
“You’re as likely to get myocarditis if you were vaccinated than if you weren’t vaccinated. There’s every reason to think this isn’t a problem. There’s every reason to think this is nothing parents should be worried about.”
Following the review, experts believed misinformation might slow down the vaccination rate. So, to ease fears, the CDC issued the following report,
“CDC continues to strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination for individuals 12 years of age or older given the risk of COVID-19 illness and related, potentially severe, complications. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect you and your family from COVID-19.”
Pfizer offered parents more good news regarding their vaccine. They plan to apply for full FDA approval of the vaccination by the end of May for ages 16-95. Additionally, the company expects to get the okay for more safety confirmations on pregnant women by early August at the latest.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
With the most up-to-date information about COVID vaccinations for kids, you can make an informed decision about the safety of your child, family, and those you encounter regularly. Yes, it’s not 100% formal approval from the FDA and CDC. The final go-ahead will take months to confirm, which is much faster than many vaccine approvals in the past. However, these pharmaceutical companies went through a thorough review to achieve emergency use authorization, including clinical trials involving thousands of participants.
Nonetheless, no matter what decision you make, consider talking to your children about the vaccination. Explain your reason to vaccinate or not vaccinate them against COVID-19. It could be an eye-opening experience for everyone in your family. If you choose to get the COVID-19 vaccine for your kids and they’re concerned, talk to your family doctor. Also, encourage them to trust the science.
On the other hand, if you’re not ready yet, discuss that with your children and family physician as well. Additionally, continue to review the available research. The updates and data coming in regarding the vaccine and COVID-19 are changing rapidly. Not because scientists are wrong. Instead, it changes because they’re learning more. Then, when school begins in the fall, you might have enough information to change your decision.