4 Washington Teens Share Why They Got the COVID-19 Vaccine

Back in May, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the use of the Pfizer vaccine for kids aged 12–15 — expanding vaccine eligibility in Washington to anyone 12 years of age and over.

Getting this age group vaccinated is critical to slowing the spread in Washington, especially as variant transmissions rise.

Experts consider the vaccine your child’s best defense against getting sick from COVID-19. This is a very important consideration with the return of social activities for kids like camp and summer sports. And back to school season is already on the horizon.

Over 215,000 kids ages 12 to 17 are already fully vaccinated in Washington. We chatted with a few to learn what inspired them to get the vaccine and hear their words of encouragement to others.

Thoughts from the Community:

“I felt a sense of overwhelming freedom after the last shot. Getting vaccinated means I can enjoy all the sports and outdoor activities with my friends. I think it will help if we all get vaccinated so we can return to our normal life with friends and sports.” Maya, Age 14

“If you get vaccinated now, then you can hang out with your friends. And even if kids have a lower rate of getting Covid they still can get it and pass it on.” Brody, Age 12

“It feels good to be able to go back to doing all the things I haven’t been able to do in over a year.” Zander, Age 15

“The reason I got the vaccine was to not only keep myself safe, but to also keep my peers safe as well.” Elena, Age 14

Having a Family Conversation

It’s important to have conversations about vaccination as a family:

• Talk to your child about why people of all ages choose to get the vaccine and how it can help protect them and their community.
• Discuss activities that will open up to them once they are fully vaccinated.
• Remind them that the vaccine is safe and effective for their age group.
• Explain what they can expect when they get the shot, including some of the common side effects they may experience.
• Share your own experience if you’ve received the vaccine already.
• If they have reservations, hear them out. If they have questions that you can’t answer, ask your pediatrician for help.

My Child Isn’t Eligible

Don’t feel discouraged if your child isn’t eligible for the vaccine yet. There are still precautions you can take to keep your child safe:

• Unvaccinated children 2 years and older should continue wearing masks in public settings and when gathering with unvaccinated people from different households. Lead by example and consider wearing a mask in these settings too, even if you’re fully vaccinated.
• Kids should continue distancing when in public, and in the classroom. Make sure they’re following their teacher’s guidance — and the guidelines for the business or venue they are in.
• Encourage your child to wash their hands often.
• Stay local. The CDC advises against domestic and international travel for unvaccinated individuals.
• Keep an eye on your child’s health. Unvaccinated parents, guardians, and kids should get tested for COVID-19 if they experience any symptoms.
• Enable WA Notify on your family’s devices. The smartphone tool will notify you if you’ve been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

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.