More than 28 million children in the United States are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine after a Pfizer vaccine was shown to be more than 90 percent effective against symptomatic infection. As parents consider whether or not to vaccinate their kids, we figured it’d be helpful to hear from some of the KCMC moms on the choices they’re making for their own families.
For answers to questions about the vaccine, please read our FAQ with Children’s Mercy physicians.
Brie Hilton
Franchesca Day
My husband and I are excited that this has now made its way to them. While we are worried about having three kids experience the possible and common side effects such as sore arms and a few days of flu like symptoms, we favor these side effects over the risk of having full blown COVID come through our home. We are most looking forward to resuming our children’s education in an uninterrupted way. We are excited that this puts them closer to seeing all their friends at lunch and on the playground. We understand that this pandemic has changed the world forever but we are happy with the opportunity to get back some of what was lost.”
Laura Mulcahy“As my oldest son approached his 12th birthday this summer, I had many questions about vaccinating him for COVID-19. My initial reaction was that he had natural immunity from his previous COVID-19 infection back in February, so he didn’t need it. He felt the same way. At his 12-year well-check, we asked our pediatrician his thoughts. He shared with us that he vaccinated his own daughters and would recommend it for his eligible patients, including those with prior infection. He explained to us that natural immunity only lasts so long and may not protect you against variants. That was enough to convince me as this was someone who I have trusted with my kids health for the past 12 years and also treated my kids when they had COVID. Michael needed a little more persuasion, but ultimately decided to move forward with vaccination after learning that he wouldn’t have to quarantine after exposure anymore. For him, that meant a little more freedom and sense of relief as he was quarantined on multiple occasions last school year. He is now fully vaccinated and experienced minimal side effects. He was extremely fatigued after the second dose and took a nap…his first one since the good old says when he was a toddler! I will confidently vaccinate my younger two children as soon as I’m able!”
JiaoJiao Shen
Victoria Rose
“It feels like ages since this entire pandemic started. As a family of educators and two of our three children being school aged, we’ve been weathering the storm of in-person/hybrid/remote school for the past 18 months with a fatigue that at times is unspeakable. The chance for our 5 and 7 year old to be vaccinated feels like a hopeful and tangible step towards concrete protection. The other morning, as we all bustled around the house before loading up for school and work, my 7 year old expressed how tired she is of this pandemic. All I could do was validate her feelings. We are all simultaneously tired of and grateful for the precautions that have kept us safe up to this point. We are also all so ready for life to feel less anxious and more carefree.”
Karen ArokiasamyPamela De La Fuente
“‘We’re getting the vaccine, right?’ My husband has asked this a billion times about our 6-year-old son. ‘Yes, we’ve already talked about it.’ I understand why some people have qualms about getting their kids vaccinated, but I don’t. Illnesses hit my little guy hard. I don’t want to know what COVID would do. And, I’d like him to have a shot of not wearing a mask to school his entire elementary school career. I’ve been asking my pediatrician about it, and one of my old neighbors, a doctor of color, was on a team researching the kids’ vaccine. I’m ready. Even though I had to hold him down for his flu shot, she said he wants it, too. I asked him if he wanted the vaccine. He said yes. ‘Because I hate the Coronavirus so much. I hate it!’ Me too, kiddo. Now I’m counting the days to when my 3-year-old can get vaccinated, too.”
Jen Christensen
“The fact that ALL of my immediate family members may actually be vaccinated by Thanksgiving has me positively giddy! Getting together with extended family during the holidays is so important to us. Knowing that everyone will have that extra level of protection makes me relieved and so grateful for science. When our son was eligible at age 12, he didn’t hesitate to ask for the vaccine. Now our daughter is excited her chance is coming. Not only will this keep her safe around family, but around friends and classmates too. Every time she’s at school, youth group, Girl Scouts, wherever, we worry. Is this going to be the time she’s accidentally exposed? Is her sore throat related to COVID? I can’t wait to not always worry. Sure, we know we can still get COVID even if we’re vaccinated. But the risk of hospitalization or lifelong health issues is greatly diminished. And for that, I am so, so thankful.”
Jollene Hastings
“I have been anxiously awaiting when my young children can get the COVID vaccine. It is music to my ears that this will soon be a reality for my 6-year-old son. He is knowledgeable about the pandemic and aware that he will be eligible to get his vaccine soon. We explain it as a safety jacket; it doesn’t make us immune, but it is an added layer of safety to protect us from extreme effects of the virus. Sure, there is some nervousness, but he wants his turn to put on his safety jacket. As parents, my husband and I are confident in our diligent efforts to stay informed, which leaves us with little hesitation for our kids to get vaccinated. More importantly, we believe in science and vaccines.”
Julia Willhite
Ali Liggett
