Co Springs Moms: We CAN Do This {{Facts for Parents About the COVID Vaccines}}

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This content was paid for by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Co Springs Mom Collective is proud to support the effort to share facts about COVID-19 vaccines. For more information or to find vaccines near you, visit vaccines.gov; text your ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX); or call 1-800-232-0233.

My holiday season went quite a bit differently than I was expecting. As holiday music spread Christmas cheer throughout my home, I wasn’t planning on boxes of rapid COVID-19 tests to be amongst the packages of presents and tins of holiday treats. I never imagined that my family and I would be isolating and quarantining during the most wonderful time of the year. But, that is what unfortunately happened as the virus infected my household, halting our celebrations.

While our holidays didn’t go as I had originally hoped, I am beyond grateful that my family is okay and that the COVID symptoms we experienced were mild. Since the vaccines help prevent severe illness and death from COVID, it is my belief that I have COVID vaccines to thank for our mild cases.

I know that the decision to vaccinate your family, especially your children, is highly personal.

Like many of the decisions we make for our kids on a daily basis, there are many factors involved, so we do the best that we can as parents. We research, seek out advice from trusted sources and come to the best conclusion for ourselves and our family. Now that vaccinations are available for children 5 and older, we, as parents, are once again tasked with an important decision. There is a lot of information out there about COVID vaccines and weeding through it all can feel overwhelming. That is why we have partnered with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to share facts about the vaccines. It is our hope that this information will leave you feeling much less overwhelmed and much more knowledgeable.

Just the Facts: Children, Teens, and the Vaccine

Boy after COVID Vaccine

Since August, 1 in 5 new COVID cases have been in kids. Because of this, CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend all children 5 and older get a COVID vaccine as soon as possible.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are given to kids 5-11 in smaller doses that have been specially tailored for younger children. Adolescents ages 12 years and older receive the same dosage of the COVID vaccine as adults. 

It is important to note that COVID vaccines are the most closely monitored vaccines in U.S. history and are being monitored just as closely in children. Youth who’ve received a COVID vaccine have the same temporary side effects as adults. They are signs that the vaccine is working and that your child’s body is building protection against the virus.

Cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart) have been reported after the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination of children ages 12–17 years.  These reactions are rare, with around 54 cases per million doses administered to males ages 12–17 years. In general, those who developed these conditions following COVID vaccination responded well to medical treatment and rest.

Do you want to learn more? Check out the answers to the most commonly asked COVID vaccine questions here.

How to Find a COVID-19 Vaccine for Your Child

We CAN Do This Child Vaccine

Vaccines for kids are now available at more than 30,000 trusted and convenient locations. It is easy to find vaccines near you:

  • visit vaccines.gov
  • text your ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX); or
  • call 1-800-232-0233. 

You can also check with your child’s pediatrician or school for vaccine availability. To make it easier for children to get vaccinated, many schools and health care providers are offering vaccines. To help you make the best choice for your child, we encourage you to talk to your child’s doctor if you have questions about the COVID vaccines.

Getting Back to a More Normal Lifestyle

We CAN Do This logo

I think we are all ready for life to feel a bit more normal again. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect our families and make life safer for everyone

Moms, We CAN Do This. Talk to your child’s doctor and research for yourself at cdc.gov/coronavirus for more information.

 

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Erica
Erica has worn many hats since joining Co Springs Mom Collective in 2017. She first came on as Contributor, then joined the Executive Team as Advertising Manager and is now the proud Owner and Executive Director. With a background in Public Relations and Marketing, Erica has been working in online media since 2008 and loves its ability to create enriching connections and community. Her role of mom is one she is most proud of. She and her husband have a beautiful blended family of eight, including six children who range in age from 3 - 19. It is truly never a dull moment in her home.