I Didn’t Vaccinate My 12-Year-Old for COVID—Learn From My Experience

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This is my 12-year-old daughter, Mia. Recently, vaccines became available for her age group, but I thought I had more time to consider it. To be honest, I was scared. We were living as though the pandemic was behind us, which led me to believe I could delay the decision.

I sent Mia to a youth camp, and she returned home on July 1st with a stuffy nose. I didn’t think much of it at first, assuming it was just allergies from the campground. However, when she was still congested by July 5th, I decided to take her to the doctor to rule out a sinus infection before the workweek began. During the appointment, they conducted a PCR COVID test. While waiting for results, I found out the camp was canceling future sessions due to a COVID outbreak the previous week. My heart sank, and just 45 minutes later, I learned Mia tested positive for COVID.

Initially, her symptoms were mild: a lack of appetite, nasal congestion, and fatigue. However, on July 9th, she developed a high fever of 104.6°F, prompting a trip to urgent care. She was incredibly unwell—vomiting, in pain, and on the verge of fainting. The doctor diagnosed her with pneumonia in the lower left lung, along with respiratory distress. We were prescribed antibiotics, an albuterol inhaler, and oral steroids. I believed her sudden decline was due to bacterial pneumonia as a complication of COVID.

For the next few days, her fever fluctuated between 100°F and 101°F, and she remained fatigued and without an appetite. I knew pneumonia could be tough on the body, especially when paired with COVID, so I tried to be patient until July 14th.

On that morning, Mia approached me at the kitchen island, panting and hunched over. She wanted breakfast but could hardly breathe. In a moment of fear, I reacted in frustration, telling her not to be dramatic. Four hours later, I realized she truly needed help.

After a small meal, we returned to her bed and increased her inhaler usage. But something still felt off. The discharge papers from July 5th stated she should be fever-free after 3-4 days on antibiotics, so we made another trip to urgent care.

I knew she was struggling, but I had no idea just how bad it was until we arrived. They took her pulse and oxygen levels before allowing us inside. Her heart rate was 135 bpm, and her oxygen was at 82%. The receptionist quickly summoned a nurse, who then called a physician. Mia received oxygen and EMS was called. I completely lost it; I felt helpless and foolish.

Mia had to ride in the ambulance alone. I drove frantically, tears streaming down my face.

Upon arriving at the ER, I was immediately taken to Mia’s room, where she was attended to by two nurses and a physician. The ER doctor made it clear: had Mia been vaccinated, she wouldn’t be struggling for breath while relying on oxygen to keep her stats stable. It was a wake-up call for me, highlighting the exhaustion and frustration of healthcare workers on the front lines.

As I sat there, all my previous doubts about vaccinations vanished, replaced instead by anxiety over whether she might have a pulmonary embolism, and where we might have to travel next for treatment. I texted my mom, asking her for prayers, not revealing the severity of the situation. I later learned they had been coordinating with hospitals far away, fearing the worst.

Fortunately, within hours, Mia’s blood work showed no signs of clots, and we were able to secure the last pediatric ICU room in Springfield. I couldn’t help but feel grateful.

Lessons Learned from Our Experience

My newfound understanding of COVID has changed me. For those who still doubt the seriousness of the virus or believe the pandemic is behind us, here are some insights from our experience in the pediatric ICU (and I acknowledge we were fortunate):

  1. No visitors or medical assistants in isolation. You’ll need to assist your child with various medical devices while maneuvering an IV pole.
  2. Nurses wear full PPE when entering your room. Have a list of necessities ready, as they’re also caring for other patients.
  3. Prepare for your child to feel anxious amidst constant alarms and code blue announcements.
  4. Be ready to help with bathing and using the restroom, as these tasks can be overwhelming for a sick child.
  5. Bring comfort items like pillows and blankets for yourself, and over-the-counter medications for any discomfort you may experience.
  6. An eye mask can help block out the stress of watching vital signs while trying to sleep. Moisturizing lotion is also helpful for dry hands from constant washing.
  7. Expect emotional ups and downs—it’s a roller coaster for both you and your child.
  8. Understand that your child may express frustration and sadness due to their condition.
  9. All waste will be handled in a way that keeps everything isolated, for safety.

At the end of the day, it didn’t matter what my political beliefs were or where I attended church. What mattered was my decision not to vaccinate Mia, which left her vulnerable to a severe COVID experience. We count ourselves lucky, as things could have been much worse.

Mia remains in isolation for three more days, totaling 20 days without seeing the outside world or friends. She is just a child, and I made choices that affected her life. We need to protect our children and families through vaccinations.

My family resides in an area severely impacted by COVID, and the threat isn’t over. I genuinely fear for the upcoming fall semester and the unmasked gatherings that continue.

Despite our struggles, I feel blessed for the support of our family and friends. Mia is on the road to recovery. She’s been isolated from her friends and activities for too long, and I hope others will take this seriously.

Please consider vaccinating, wearing masks, and practicing social distancing. Regardless of your beliefs, we are all fighting against COVID and its variants. Mia appreciates you taking the time to read her story. If you know her, you’ll understand how much she cares about others.

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In summary, my experience has taught me the importance of vaccinations and caution during this ongoing pandemic. Protecting our children must be a priority.