We Are The Children’s Vaccine: Get Vaccinated!

While almost all people over the age of sixteen are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine for free, children will have to wait for safety studies to be completed. It is expected that the Pfizer vaccine may be approved for kids as young as twelve in the next month or two – or three or more. 

But what about the little ones? When will they be protected? The truth is we don’t know and it may not be soon. Some children have had significant complications from COVID and we are still figuring out how the variants might affect them.  How do we protect this vulnerable and precious population? 

The answer is that we bring down the infection rate by being vaccinated. We are their vaccine. 

Why should that matter to you? First, because you are a good person who wants to take care of those who are unable to protect themselves. Second, because it will help all of us get our world back to normal. Think of it this way: if kids are spreading COVID, which it appears is the case in the post-vaccination world, then keeping schools functioning is in danger. Should schools close, much of our economy closes, too. Your job and the people with whom you work might be significantly affected. Do you want to go back to the dark winter inside? 

Another reason to get vaccinated is to fight against variants of the virus. There are several mutant versions of COVID-19 and some of them appear to now be the dominant strain. These versions are far more contagious and can cause more harm – even to younger people. The more of us who are vaccinated, the less opportunity for this kind of mutation and the less chance one of these variants will attack the population that is least protected: children! 

Are you worried about side effects? The odds and consequences of NOT getting the vaccine are far more severe both to you and to the community than the issues associated with any vaccine. While there may be a very small group who are super sensitive to vaccines, most of us will have a sore arm and perhaps a day or two of mild discomfort. That’s preferable to a stay in the hospital and an appointment with a ventilator - and a small price to pay for the child next door, your co-worker’s kids, or grandkids and to fight against a bigger and badder bug being bred because people won’t get vaccinated. 

One of my favorite articles about the flu vaccine has a harsh headline: “Hey Asshole, the Flu Shot Isn’t About You.” The main gist of the article is that you, “’…get immunized to protect those who can’t protect themselves.’”

The article emphasizes the number of people who die each year from the flu. Similarly,  by getting vaccinated against COVID-19, you are helping to protect those who cannot yet be vaccinated! You are doing your part to reduce the chance that COVID will come knocking on your door, their door, or to someone you love. 

Getting an appointment to be vaccinated is increasingly more convenient. Many places are taking walk-ins. Call your public health department. Call your town, city, or village. You don’t need a computer to make an appointment; you just need the desire to protect yourself and the people around you. Questions? Not so sure? Call your doctor. Your doctor knows you and will be able to address your concerns. 

Getting the vaccine is like sharing your umbrella. It is a way to help the kids in your community, your friend’s children and grandchildren, and those who are not able to get the vaccine. The price is minimal and the payoff is priceless. Everyone benefits from your good deed. 

Go get vaccinated – now!