Children have not gotten the coronavirus as often as adults have, but kids can catch and spread COVID-19. Therefore, as camps and schools reopen, the CDC is recommending that everyone age 12 and up receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The American Academy of Pediatrics makes the same recommendation.
Vaccines have been tested with 12 year olds
The COVID-19 vaccines were originally tested and approved for adults and teens 16 and up. This spring, after intensive testing, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for people ages 12 to 15 years.
The vaccine is safe. It is impossible for anyone of any age to contract COVID-19 from the vaccine.
There are some possible side effects. Kids may have the same side effects from the vaccine as adults. These can include pain at the injection site, or flu-like symptoms. They usually last just a few days.
Your child will be asked to sit down while having the vaccine, and for 15 minutes afterward to make sure they do not have a negative reaction to the vaccine. These precautions are just to make sure your teen is completely safe.
Have you heard…
There is misinformation about the use of COVID-19 vaccines for kids on social media sites. One claim is that the World Health Organization says not to vaccinate kids. This is untrue. The World Health Organization, which is an international nonprofit organization, recommends vaccinating older people first in countries where there might not be enough vaccines to go around. Fortunately, the United States has plenty.
Teens in Northwest Arkansas should get their vaccinations as soon as possible.
There have also been false claims that the COVID-19 vaccine affects fertility, causing teens to be less able to have babies later in life. This urban myth came from a misunderstanding about proteins. It was falsely reported on a local news program and quickly spread. There is absolutely no truth to this story.
The benefits of the vaccine for youth
The COVID-19 vaccine keeps people from getting and spreading COVID-19, a disease which has already claimed the lives of more than 600,000 Americans.
For 12 to 15 year olds, however, it can have some additional important benefits. Kids who have been cooped up at home can safely return to school and participate in activities and social events after they’re fully vaccinated.If your kids have been missing their sports, youth meetings, and time with friends, they will enjoy the freedom of being fully vaccinated.
Start now
Since the vaccine requires two doses, it’s time to schedule your children’s vaccines now in order to be fully vaccinated before school starts.