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As summer approaches, life following the pandemic is starting to improve. As of May 11, 44.7% of adults in the U.S. over 18 are fully vaccinated, and more than half have received at least one dose. Vaccines are increasingly available, and the FDA has authorized the Pfizer COVID vaccine for adolescents aged 12 and older. But what does this mean for families with a mix of fully vaccinated adults, vaccinated teens, and younger children who are still unvaccinated?
Parents are filled with questions as summer arrives. While we’re excited about the end of remote schooling, how will we keep our kids engaged? Will this summer feel like a repeat of 2020?
To address these concerns, we hosted a panel of experts in a recent “Live. Work. Thrive.” event. Among them were Dr. Lisa Green, Director of the National Institute of Health, and Dr. Emily Carter, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who provided the latest insights on COVID safety for families.
Is the COVID vaccine safe for kids?
“It’s crucial for parents to understand the facts and trust scientific evidence as we navigate this crisis. We are making progress with increasing vaccination rates among Americans,” Dr. Green shared during our event. “However, many parents are understandably concerned about what this entails for their children.”
COVID vaccine side effects in children
Dr. Sara Thompson, a pediatrician at the Children’s Health Institute, noted that clinical trial data indicates the Pfizer vaccine is both safe and effective for children aged 12 to 15. “There were no significant safety issues reported during the trial,” Dr. Thompson explained. “Children may experience side effects, but they are generally similar to those seen in adults.”
In essence, your child may experience a sore arm after the first shot, along with some fatigue and mild aches after the second dose.
Should we pretreat our kids before vaccination?
Experts advise against pretreatment with any medications prior to receiving vaccines, including the COVID vaccine. “Some studies suggest that pretreatment could diminish the immune response,” Dr. Thompson cautioned. “It’s uncertain if this will occur with the COVID vaccine.”
If your child experiences mild side effects, it’s best to let them be. However, if they are severely uncomfortable and unable to carry on with daily activities, over-the-counter medications can be considered. Always consult your child’s pediatrician for tailored advice based on their health needs.
When and where can we get the COVID vaccine for our kids?
With the CDC encouraging vaccinations for children aged 12 and older, many parents are eager to know when and where they can get their kids vaccinated in time for summer camps or school in the fall.
Dr. Green indicated that adolescents and high school students are likely to be vaccinated during the summer in preparation for the September school term. For younger children, ongoing studies are underway to confirm the vaccine’s safety and efficacy. “By the end of this calendar year, we should have sufficient data to begin vaccinating children of all ages,” she noted.
COVID vaccine should be administered alone
The CDC recommends that the COVID vaccine be given separately, with a minimum of 14 days before or after administering any other vaccine. This is due to insufficient data regarding the safety and efficacy of concurrent vaccinations. However, in certain scenarios where vaccination benefits outweigh potential risks, the interval can be adjusted.
Update your kids on other vaccines
Due to the pandemic, many children missed routine vaccinations. “We are over 11 million doses behind for all children,” Dr. Carter emphasized. It’s vital to ensure your eligible children receive the COVID-19 vaccine and are up to date on their other vaccinations to protect against various preventable diseases.
What activities are safe for unvaccinated children?
So what can unvaccinated kids safely do this summer? Here are some quick answers from our panel:
- Can unvaccinated kids have playdates with other unvaccinated kids if all adults are vaccinated? Yes, but with precautions. The safest approach is to meet outdoors while maintaining distance and wearing masks.
- Can unvaccinated kids go to sleepaway camp? Yes. Be sure to follow the CDC’s latest camp guidelines and consider your comfort level.
- What about swimming in public pools? Outdoor settings are preferable. Ensure the pool has social distancing and mask policies in place.
- How about visiting theme parks? This depends on outdoor conditions, social distancing capabilities, and crowd sizes.
- What about concerts or theaters? Outdoor events are safer than indoor ones, and avoiding large crowds is advisable.
- Is airplane travel safe? Airports pose significant risks. Make sure to wear masks, practice social distancing, avoid long layovers, and consider double masking your children.
For more details on safe activities for unvaccinated kids, check out the full video.
As information regarding COVID-19 continues to evolve, staying informed is essential. For the latest updates, we encourage readers to consult resources from local public health departments, the CDC, and the World Health Organization.
For further insights, you can explore one of our other blog posts about home insemination here. Additionally, consider checking out Make a Mom for expert advice on boosting fertility. For a comprehensive understanding of family planning options, visit this excellent resource from Resolve.
Summary:
As summer approaches, many parents are eager to understand the implications of COVID vaccinations for their children. Experts emphasize the importance of the vaccine’s safety for kids aged 12 and older. While precautions are necessary for unvaccinated children, there are still plenty of safe activities to enjoy.