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My 7-year-old received the first dose of hisCOVID-19 vaccinelast week.
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.
There were some cheers and some tears (mostly mine, of happiness).
(Trials for children between six months and four years of age are still ongoing.)
After a long wait, COVID-19 vaccines are finally available for children ages 5 to 11 in the U.S.
The news couldnt come soon enough for many parents.
The waves of rejoicing and relief
My youngest had been anxiously awaiting this day.
Many other children (and their caregivers) have the same response.
My 3-year-old was mad the entire day that she was not able to get vaccinated.
She wakes up daily asking if it is her turn yet.
Happy to get his lollipop and do his part.
Thankfully no side effects in the first 40 hours post.
When the COVID-19 vaccine was approved for children 12 years and older, I was thrilled, she says.
When she got her first vaccine, I burst into tears of joy and relief.
“So, we stayed at home.
We practiced social distancing.
My girls stopped gymnastics and softball.
Despite theme nights at home, lots of outdoor trips, and Zoom holidays, it was difficult.
Long hours andtrying to keep her kids safealso weighed on Dr. Chapples mind.
I work around the clock.
Weekends have no meaning.
Birthdays are huge in my household, however, weve missed out on so many celebrations.
Many other medical professionals shared similar stories with me.
Dr. Shrivers children were in-person for school, but masked.
Her children continue to wear masks.
I saw how the delta variant impacted all unvaccinated people, regardless of age.
I saw how mitigations were lifted, leaving children most vulnerable, she says.
This punch in of normalcy is something many of us are looking for once our children are vaccinated.
This is a non-controversial opinion.
Every scientist I know who is a parent is excited about these vaccines.
Look at the data and talk with your kids pediatrician.
As apediatrician, Dr. Shriver welcomes such conversations.
I always take the time to ask parents what their concerns are and just listen.
Then I attempt to validate their concerns.
Its okay to have questions.
Its okay to feel unsure or nervous.
Its best to get information from a trusted health professional.
(And yes, its okay toget the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time!)
Our health has been spared.
Our creativity sparked, family time has been valued, she says.
But I long for the day that my children can go back to gymnastics class.
