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It’s hard to fathom that in just a few weeks, my whole family will be vaccinated against COVID-19. The last year has been an emotional and physical rollercoaster. Balancing a full-time job from home, managing virtual schooling, and worrying about our health—my husband’s, our kids’, and our parents’—has been utterly exhausting.
With our youngest being eight years old, the long-awaited moment has finally arrived. I still recall the sense of relief we felt last spring when my husband, our oldest, and I became eligible for the vaccine. However, we had two vulnerable kids at home, and there was uncertainty about when they would be able to receive their doses.
Now, that uncertainty is over. By Christmas, our family of five—who spent an entire year ordering groceries online and avoiding restaurants—will be fully protected. The gratitude and relief I feel are beyond words, and I know other parents share this sentiment. However, the news that children aged 5 and older can now be vaccinated isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Many parents are navigating co-parenting situations with partners who have been misled by anti-vaccine rhetoric, claiming to be more knowledgeable than actual medical professionals.
It’s disheartening to witness neighbors and friends still spreading bizarre conspiracy theories that, unfortunately, filter down to their children. While we’re thrilled about our own kids getting this essential, life-saving vaccine, it’s hard not to feel sympathy for those kids who are growing up in households rife with misinformation.
Today, we celebrate “Yay science!” even though a shadow of negativity lingers. Knowing that our kids will be safe is a bright spot amidst the gloom. We can’t publicly express our happiness for fear of backlash from certain anti-vax family members, but our older child received their first vaccine dose yesterday, and we couldn’t be more excited. Bring on the science, so we can get back to normalcy!
Confessions from Parents
Confession #25859921: My 6-year-old received their vaccine yesterday and was treated like a superstar. It was an amazing experience, and I’m so thankful for the Department of Health!
Confession #25859513: My daughter is getting her vaccine in less than two weeks, and I couldn’t be happier!
Confession #25859192: LET’S CELEBRATE! Our kids are vaccinated, and it’s time to party. To heck with the naysayers—let’s dance!
Confession #25859426: My husband yelled at me in front of our kids, saying I was trying to harm them for wanting them to get vaccinated. He may know less than a high school graduate, but he thinks he knows more than doctors and scientists. I’m at my wit’s end.
Confession #25859088: He’s skeptical about the vaccine’s safety for our kids (we’re both fully vaccinated). He doesn’t even have a high school diploma but believes he knows better than the experts. I have two science degrees!
Confession #25859747: I’m planning to vaccinate against my husband’s wishes when the time comes. I’m considering how to keep it a secret—puppy? Disney? Or maybe I should just face the music and consider a divorce.
Confession #25852056: Co-parenting with an anti-vaxxer is incredibly frustrating. It’s maddening when real medical professionals present facts, but your spouse listens to someone like Joe from down the street who claims to have done his own research.
Confession #25859248: I’m okay with the vaccine relationship cull. If you don’t prioritize my kids’ health, I don’t value you.
Confession #25856062: Anti-vaxxers should be held accountable if their children suffer from preventable illnesses. My in-laws have seven kids who’ve been led to believe in conspiracy theories. They’re too young to understand the gravity of these diseases!
Confession #25852457: Some people, yikes. We can only hope that COVID doesn’t ravage their households like it has for so many others.
The low demand for kids’ vaccinations in my area means I can schedule an appointment whenever I want. While I’m eager for my kids to get vaccinated this weekend, I feel sad for those children whose parents are under the influence of misinformation.
Confession #25859323: My teenage sons received their second COVID shot today. Now we’re all fully vaccinated! I feel relieved but also angry when I see people promoting anti-vaccine views; it’s rampant here in Texas.
Confession #25854084: I’m relieved my kids can get vaccinated. However, I’m also saddened that it means returning to the way things were before the pandemic. Life was better during lockdown!
The recent approval of COVID vaccines for ages 5-11 brings a whirlwind of emotions. On one side, we celebrate scientific progress. On the other, the voices of conspiracy theorists seem to be growing louder, making it exhausting to push back against them. Also, returning to normalcy—something we’ve avoided for nearly two years—might not seem as appealing anymore.
In the meantime, if you get your child vaccinated or make that appointment, embrace the moment, Mom. Relish in the relief and gratitude, and don’t let the negativity bring you down. Vaccines save lives, and today, millions of kids now qualify for this life-saving treatment. That’s always worth celebrating!