Being vaccinated now is more important than ever.
In recent weeks, the more contagious delta variant has taken hold as COVID-19 cases have surged again.
Without young peopleincluding kidsgetting vaccinated, hopes forherd immunity in the U.S.are dim.
Heather Hazzan. Wardrobe styling by Ronald Burton; prop styling by Campbell Pearson; hair by Hide Suzuki; makeup by Deanna Melluso at See Management. Shot on location at One Medical.
Yet there are a number of very real reasons young and healthy people really should roll up their sleeves.
What would you say to a young, healthy person who is anxious about getting the vaccine?
The data is overwhelming in favor of getting the vaccine.
Some people feel anxious about how fast themRNA technologywas developed, but it was because there was a need.
We dont have years of safety data on this vaccine, but no steps were skipped.
The FDA still did their normal data review, and the CDC is carefully reviewing side effects.
Dr. Matthew Liao:In terms of vaccine safety, the science is really good.
Reputable medical groups like theAmerican Academy of Pediatricshave recommended everyoneincluding young peopletake the vaccine.
That is partly because the most common strain of COVID in the U.S. is the highly transmissible delta variant.
And it is partly because many areas have relaxed important mitigation strategies like masking and distancing.
As a result, those who remain unvaccinated are now more vulnerable than ever to infection.
What should young people know about COVID-19 vaccine side effects?
These short-lived side effects are better than getting COVID itself.
If we thought this could happen, we wouldnt recommend vaccination.
I understand where the objection is coming from, but its a straw man argument.
I find its an avoidance tactic.
Dr. Moody:People really need to think about how their actions impact others.
By getting vaccinated, youre helping your fellow citizens.
Some people argue they might still catch COVID even with a vaccine.
We expect somebreakthrough caseswhen we have a lot of transmission.
Dr. Liao:Its true that young people dont get as sick on average, but they can.
I know people who have long COVID, and its serious.
For months you cant breathe well, and you might lose your sense of taste and smell.
It can affect your cognitive abilities and make you very fatigued.
Young people are viral factories.
The sooner we get the virus under control, the sooner we can return to normal.
If you care about freedom, this is the best way to achieve it.
Where can young people find a vaccination site near them?
Dr. Boyd:Vaccines arereadily availablethroughout the country.
Everyone can visitvaccines.govif they want to find a vaccine site near them.
Dr. Liao:Being a parent myself, I think that having parental input is very important.
I can see why parents would want to weigh in.
Kids should talk to their parents and attempt to reason with them.
Theres a lot ofvaccine misinformation, so kids can help educate their parents.
The conversation you have depends on the parents concerns.
Is it about the science, the risk, or religious objections?
Figure out what parents are worried about and go from there.
I also think its helpful to explain to parents the benefits of the vaccine.
What kinds of conversations did you have with your kids about getting vaccinated?
My wife, my 16-year-old daughter, and I all participated in theModernaphase 3 trial.
She was super excited because shes been quarantined all year and wants to see her friends.
