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Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine has been licensed for use in kids aged 5 to 11.. On October 26, an FDA advisory panel authorized the vaccination. The vaccine was given emergency use approval by the FDA on October 29. (EUA). The vaccination can be given to kids now that it has been recommended by the CDC.
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After months of anticipation, during which time there was an increase in pediatric cases and hospitalizations during the summer, parents may now safeguard their elementary school-aged children with a vaccination that is both safe and effective.
Some parents have questions and worries regarding immunizations, despite the fact that the news is welcome by many. About one-third of parents would have their child between the ages of 5 and 11 vaccinated as soon as the vaccine was approved, while another third would take a “wait and see” approach.
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The most up-to-date and reliable information is helpful whether you want to vaccinate your child immediately or need more time to decide. In this article, we will discuss the COVID-19 vaccine for children and provide answers to the most frequently asked questions raised by parents, as well as some expert guidance to help you make the best decisions for your family.
What Parents Can Expect Now That the COVID-19 Vaccine Has Been Approved
Parents have had a particularly difficult time throughout the pandemic. School closures and seclusion put tremendous pressure on parents, who sometimes had to juggle working and caring for their children alone. Despite the country’s progress and the availability of immunizations for adults and teenagers, children still lack access to preventative medicine.
Even while COVID-19 remains to be generally milder in children than in adults, severe cases of COVID-19 can nevertheless occur in children. Deaths in children have occurred, albeit rarely, due to the infection. The number of pediatric hospitalizations during this pandemic peaked in the summer of 2021, when the Delta variety was at its peak, and the largest number had ever been recorded, as reported by the Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP).
Despite the fact that this was terrible news to comprehend, many parents will breathe a sigh of relief now that they know their children are secure from damage owing to the vaccine. It’s not the likelihood of a severe case of COVID-19 occurring in your child but the possibility of it happening that keeps parents up at night.
However, the benefit is not limited to your own child(ren). By immunizing infants and toddlers, we can speed up the process of putting an end to the pandemic. Roughly 28 million Americans fall under the age range of 5-11. By immunizing as many of them as we can, we can boost population-wide resistance.
Infections of the respiratory system, such as COVID-19, are common among elementary school children and are easily spread from one child to another. They play an important role in limiting disease spread and making our homes, schools, and communities healthier and safer for everyone.
Why Do Children Require a Vaccine Against COVID?
Throughout the epidemic, parents have been reassured that their children are unlikely to get severe cases of COVID-19 and that deaths are uncommon. This remains true, and the effects of COVID-19 on children can be devastating. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that between 0% and 3% of all cases of COVID-19 in children result in death.
Even though these figures don’t look like much, These may seem like insignificant figures, but since the epidemic began on May 5, a total of 6.8 million children have tested positive for COVID-19 as of October 28. That means thousands of kids get hospitalized with COVID-19 during epidemics, and many of them don’t make it. More than 22,000 kids have been hospitalized due to COVID-19, according to statistics compiled by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which covers 24 states and NYC. As of September 30, sadly, 520 youngsters had already lost their lives.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) highlights other concerns regarding COVID-19 and children, such as the potential for chronic infection. More research is needed immediately to determine the long-term implications of the pandemic on children, particularly the potential physical and psychological harm the virus may cause to afflicted youngsters.
COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be effective in children aged 12 to 17, where they have had the greatest impact so far. As an illustration, Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccination provided excellent protection during the recent Delta surge for teenagers who received the shot before school started. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted a study showing that adolescents and young adults aged 12 to 17 who had not been vaccinated were 10 times more likely to be hospitalized in July than their vaccinated peers.
Facts to Know Before Getting the Shot
Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is the one that has been licensed for use in children by EUA. Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine has already been given the green light for use in those aged 16 and up. Emergency use approval has also been granted for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccination for preteens and teenagers (ages 12 to 15).
The COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by Pfizer for children ages 5 to 11 are formulated and dosed the same as the vaccination for adults and adolescents. The current state of knowledge regarding the COVID-19 vaccine for infants and toddlers is as follows.
Where And How Can Kids Get Their Shots
Now that the vaccine has been given the go light, it should be widely available to kids. It can be obtained at the same pediatrician’s clinics, public health immunization sites (such as the local health department), and pharmacies where COVID-19 vaccinations are now sold.
The number of pediatricians that offer the COVID-19 vaccine is growing. For further information on whether or not your child’s pediatrician is now administering the COVID-19 vaccination or whether or not they intend to do so in the next several weeks, please contact their office.
If Vaccine Anxiety Is Keeping You Up at Night
It’s normal to have questions and worries about giving your child the COVID-19 vaccine. There is widespread worry among parents.
The vaccines have gone through a rigorous clearance process, which should give you some peace of mind. When the FDA and CDC suggest giving COVID-19 immunizations to children aged 5 to 11, it implies the vaccine has undergone adequate testing, has few adverse effects, and provides the same level of protection against COVID-19 and reduced risk of COVID-19 severity as in other age groups.
Some people believe that the COVID-19 vaccines are bad for kids because they will slow down their development or perhaps lead them to become sterile.
You may not be sure if the COVID-19 vaccine is the best option for your family, even after considering all the available information. Your child’s doctor is the ideal person to talk to if you have any concerns.
They are familiar with your child’s medical history and can provide insight into the benefits and hazards of this vaccine and COVID-19 in youngsters. Having a trustworthy friend or family member to discuss your concerns and offer to advice can be really valuable.
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