Should I vaccinate my kid? We ask a doctor.
What the Pfizer authorization means for your family
The FDA recently authorized the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 12–15. This is a giant step forward as we work to stop the spread of COVID-19 — especially with summer and back-to-school on the horizon.
But this news may have you trying to decide whether the vaccine is appropriate for your child. That’s why we sat down with Dr. Elias Kass, a Seattle-based naturopathic pediatric primary care provider, to discuss the safety and efficacy of the vaccine for kids.
We appreciate you chatting with us today, Dr. Kass. How effective is the vaccine for this age group?
The vaccine was found to be very effective, and safe, for this age group. Pfizer’s phase three trial showed the two-dose vaccine was 100% effective among all 2,000 trial participants aged 12–15. That’s pretty impressive!
Check out this DOH flyer that gives parents more information about vaccines for children.
Why is it important for a 12–15-year-old to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Kids do get sick with COVID. A lot of them have mild infections, some of them have more moderate complications, and some of them have serious complications. And regardless of the severity of their illness, kids can pass the disease to others with more serious infections or complications.
That’s why it’s important that everyone who can be vaccinated gets vaccinated to reduce the exposure to our vulnerable community members.
What about the lower hospitalization rates for this age group?
We know that COVID patients of all ages can still feel pretty miserable without being hospitalized, and we don’t want our kids to be miserable. As a parent, it’s awful to even see our kids when they have a bad cold. So, let’s keep them healthy and avoid having to worry whether they will develop complications due to COVID-19.
What are some of the benefits of having your child fully vaccinated?
Speaking as someone who got vaccinated, it was a tremendous relief to not be so worried. Getting sick is a big deal, even if you aren’t hospitalized. It can affect your ability to take care of your family and go to work.
I think about my kids — who would have a layer of protection with the vaccine and would be able to fight it off more effectively. I’d feel a lot better about them being out in the world. Hopefully, it will also help all the schools reopen.
So, there are quite a few benefits. Can children under 12 get the vaccine, or will they be able to soon?
At this point, it’s just for people ages 12 and up. But at some point, that may change. Several vaccine manufacturers have trials running in children as young as six months old. What they’ve done so far in trials is an age de-escalation process where they started with older folks and have progressively moved to younger ages.
Is there any difference in the vaccine process between children and adults?
So far there are no differences across age groups. It’s the same vaccine dosage and it’s the same two-dose series spaced three weeks apart. Just like adults, kids have the full protection of the vaccine two weeks after their second dose. Some of the trials for the youngest kids are testing different doses, so it might end up being different for the infants and toddlers.
Is there anything a parent or guardian should bring for a vaccination appointment for a child?
Whatever the vaccine provider is asking for in terms of identification and insurance if you have it (remember it’s not required). I’d also suggest bringing something like a phone or something else for the child to distract themselves. Sometimes, teenagers have a vasovagal response (a tendency to pass out) when getting a shot, no matter the shot. So, it’s a good idea for them to have something to take their mind off of the vaccination. For younger children, sometimes parents bring in some sort of treat for afterwards like a donut or small toy.
What should you watch out for after your child gets vaccinated?
It’s going to be similar to adults. Adults don’t always feel great for a day or two after getting vaccinated. We expect this and we are happy about it — this means our immune system is learning about COVID and how to fight it. Potentially, since they are younger, they might feel worse. I would plan to have a cozy “pajama and tv” kind of day following the vaccination.
How do you talk to your kids about getting the vaccine?
I’d say: “oh my gosh, you won’t believe how great this is! You get the COVID vaccine!” I would mention that the vaccines help protect them, that they train their body how to fight disease, and keep them healthy. I like to acknowledge that yes, it can hurt a little bit, but that it is there to help protect you. It’s also important to be an example for your kids. My kids knew when I got the vaccine: I showed them my Band-Aid, and we talked about how excited I was!
Can schools or colleges require the vaccine, or do you anticipate that they will?
Yes, and yes. Many already have! COVID is a very communicable disease and the last thing you’d want to do is shut down your campus due to an outbreak.
Say a parent is against the vaccine. Can a child get the vaccine without their consent?
People under 18 need consent from a parent or guardian to get the vaccine unless they are legally emancipated or qualify as a mature minor.
Still have questions about the vaccine and your child? Check out our flyer for parents.
More information
Information in this blog changes rapidly. Sign up to be notified whenever we post new articles.
Check the state’s COVID-19 website for up-to-date and reliable info at coronavirus.wa.gov.
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to everyone 12 and older. For more information about the vaccine, visit CovidVaccineWA.org and use the vaccine locator tool to find an appointment. The COVID-19 vaccine is provided at no cost to you.
WA Notify can alert you if you’ve been near another user who tested positive for COVID-19. Add WA Notify to your phone today: WANotify.org
Answers to your questions or concerns about COVID-19 in Washington state may be found at our website. You can also contact the Department of Health call center at 1–800–525–0127 and press # from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday, and 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday — Sunday and observed state holidays. Language assistance is available.
