We Can Do This
Paid for by @HHSGov
It feels like COVID has flipped our entire world upside-down. The truth of the matter is that it has. Nothing has been the same since the day the world shut down. Do you remember the fear in those first days? Months? We were all hiding in our bubbles, longing to be around our friends and loved ones, but too scared to spread the deadly disease. Some of us were scared in our own homes. My parents live with us. While we were so happy that we did not have to suffer the distance and isolation of not being able to see my parents, we were constantly fearful that we would somehow get them sick.
I have to say, when the first round of vaccines became available, we were wary but excited. With so much information out there, we were not sure what to believe, so we visited trusted sources of information such as CDC.gov and spoke with our pediatrician to confirm the best way to keep our family safe. Hubby and I were the first to get vaccinated as we were the ones who made all the grocery store runs and were more exposed to the world than anyone in our family. It was such a relief.
The sense of freedom we felt, the sense of relief that feeling safe brought us was unbelievable. For the first time in months, we felt like we no longer had to hide. We were still safe, of course. We kept our distance, and we still wore our masks. But we felt safer, and that was priceless.
As soon as possible, we got my parents vaccinated and for the first time in months, they were able to leave the house and be around other people.
But when the time came to vaccinate our kids, we simply did not have enough information to make the decision to vaccinate. To be honest, it is something our family has been wrestling with since the COVID vaccine was approved for kids ages 5 and above. While we had hesitated, we know now that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh any potential risks.
So, I am extremely grateful for the “We Can Do This” Public Education Program. I am learning so many facts that will help hubby and me make the decision for our kids.
Here are a few things I’ve learned:
Children ages 5+ can get a COVID vaccine and getting your child vaccinated is the best protection against COVID.
CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend all children 5 and older get a COVID vaccine as soon as possible.
COVID vaccines for children 5-11 are given in a lower/smaller dose and are tailored for younger children.
So far this year, there have been over 6 million COVID cases among children under 18 in the U.S.
Even though many children have had mild cases of COVID, you can’t predict how COVID will affect your child – even if they are completely healthy. The best protection is vaccination.
You can stay safer if you get a booster. Everyone 5+ who is vaccinated should get a booster shot. And if you're not already vaccinated -- don't wait any longer.
You should get your booster 5 months after the 2nd dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, which is the vaccine type CDC recommends. If you got a Johnson & Johnson vaccine, get a Pfizer or Moderna booster 2 months after your single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
COVID vaccines provide an opportunity to return to a more normal lifestyle.
COVID has had a tremendous impact on all children. Their lives have been interrupted by the pandemic. COVID vaccines help us keep kids in school and daycare and help them enjoy their lives again.
COVID vaccines provide an opportunity to move your family forward and gain a new sense of normal.
Vaccines mean my family and I can schedule our lives again.
Vaccines mean my child will have the chance to socialize and form relationships with peers and other adults.
Vaccines mean I won't feel anxious about dropping my child off at daycare, school, or activities.
Vaccines provide the confidence to resume your new normal--knowing you’ve given your child the best protection from severe COVID symptoms
Many children’s hospitals are being overwhelmed by COVID patients who are too young to get the vaccine. Getting family members vaccinated as soon as possible and wearing masks in public indoor spaces if you live in an area of high COVID spread are the best ways to protect younger children until they can get vaccines.
The vaccines work.
COVID vaccines protect children against the worst effects of COVID.
A COVID vaccine offers the best protection available for your child from severe illness or death if they get COVID.
Safety is a top priority.
COVID vaccines are the most closely monitored vaccines in U.S. history and are being monitored just as closely in children.
There isn’t any evidence that any vaccines, including COVID vaccines, cause long-term health problems like female or male fertility problems.
Some children have short-term side effects from the vaccine. This is normal and side effects are usually mild and last for a couple of days after vaccination.
Children who’ve gotten a COVID vaccine have the same kinds of 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.
Common side effects include:
Pain, redness, or swelling where you got your shot
Tiredness
Headache
Muscle pain
Chills
Fever
Nausea
Decades of research on dozens of vaccines have demonstrated that side effects usually show up within six weeks of vaccination. COVID vaccines have been studied and tested for almost 2 years in tens of thousands of adults and children, and serious side effects are very rare.
Getting vaccinated has never been easier or more convenient.
Everyone in the United States ages 5 and older should get vaccinated.
Vaccines are free regardless of health insurance or immigration status.
To find a vaccine near you, visit vaccines.gov.
Want more information about the benefits of getting vaccinated? Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Talk to a doctor. We encourage you to talk to your child’s pediatrician about any questions you may have about COVID vaccines. The American Medical Association reports that 96% of doctors have been vaccinated against COVID. Go to vaccines.gov to learn more and find a vaccine near you.
Research for yourself at cdc.gov/coronavirus for more information.
Help the people you care about find a vaccine at vaccines.gov.
