Covid vaccinations: Vital for keeping our children safe

COVID-19 remains a significant global concern, with the number of affected individuals fluctuating daily. The pandemic has been a wake-up call for parents everywhere, highlighting the importance of prioritizing children’s health and safety. While the virus primarily impacts adults, it has also posed serious health risks to children, teenagers, and even infants. Many young patients have experienced severe symptoms, reinforcing the need for proactive healthcare measures.

Beyond practicing social distancing and maintaining proper hygiene, widespread vaccination has been one of the most effective ways to combat the virus. Fortunately, vaccines are now available for infants, children, and teenagers, offering them crucial protection against severe illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends that everyone aged 5 and older receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

According to CDC guidelines:

• Children between the ages of 5 and 11 should receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
• Teenagers aged 12 to 17 are also advised to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for optimal protection.

Vaccination remains a critical tool in preventing severe cases of COVID-19, hospitalization, and death. Those who are fully vaccinated can safely resume many pre-pandemic activities while significantly reducing their risk of infection. Parents seeking the best pediatric care should consult experienced healthcare professionals who specialize in child immunization. If you’re looking for the best pediatricians in Altoona, PA, consider those who stay updated on the latest CDC recommendations and provide comprehensive care tailored to your child’s needs.

Ensuring children receive their vaccinations from trusted medical professionals is a vital step in safeguarding their well-being. Parents are encouraged to schedule vaccine appointments with qualified pediatricians to protect their children and contribute to a healthier community.

Though the risk of children contracting COVID-19 is less compared to adults, they are still vulnerable to the disease; they may:

1. Get infected with a certain virus that can cause COVID-19
2. Get severely unwell from COVID-19
3. Develop long-term and short-term health complications from COVID-19
4. Transmit the COVID-19 virus to others

It's important to get vaccinated not just for yourself, but also in order to protect the people around you. Vaccinating your children can help keep them safe from contracting disease and being exposed that way, too! Talking/Counselling your child for the vaccination is equally important. As a guardian one should:

1. Talk to the children and help them understand the process and expectations post-vaccination.
2. Inform doctors of any allergy the child may have.
3. Remain patient during the process as the doctor may advise staying back for 15-30 minutes to ensure the child does not develop any allergic reactions.
4. Posture is important to avoid any injuries post vaccination. Thus, it is advised that your child should be seated or lay down during & post vaccination respectively.

As a responsible parent/guardian, you should get any child/teenager in your family vaccinated. The federal government has announced that they will be providing a free vaccine for COVID-19, regardless of any immigration or health insurance status. It is your task to make sure whether your child’s healthcare provider can offer COVID-19 vaccination. Local pharmacies can help in finding out possible vaccination walk-ins or appointments in your region or nearby area. The local pharmacy’s website can be a big time saver. State, territorial, local, or tribal health departments may contain lots of information on vaccination centers in your nearby region. Try to contact them. Your child may develop certain side effects post vaccination, such as:

1. 1. • Pain
      • Redness
      • Swelling
      • Tiredness
      • Headache
      • Muscle Pain
      • Chills
      • Fever
      • Nausea

These side effects may hinder your child’s daily activities. These symptoms will go away in a few days. Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. Citations/References: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens | CDC