The vaccine rate among 12 to 18-year-olds in the state is 35% and with the COVID vaccine expected to be approved for 5 to 11 years olds will parents get them vaccinated? Dr. Ben Springgate with LSU Health New Orleans says he thinks a third will have them vaccinated ASAP and others will speak with their pediatrician first.
“And sometimes, just like we’ve seen with adults, waiting and seeing a little bit offers some reassurance, and people begin to have greater and great uptake once they have seen it’s been safe and effective for other people,” said Springgate.
There have been reports of myocarditis, an inflammatory condition of the heart, associated with the COVID vaccines and children. Springgate says naturally some parents are concerned about this and it’s something that should be monitored.
“But overall weighing the risks of hospitalizations, the risks of serious illness, and the risk of death the FDA believes the benefits of this vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 outweigh the risks,” said Springgate.
Springgate says the COVID vaccine compares favorably to other vaccines that children have already had, and clinical trial data shows there are minimal side effects to the vaccine.
“Certainly, there’s going to be continued observation of this, further study, there’s going to be millions of children getting these vaccines that will provide a greater opportunity to review data but we feel very positively about the side effect profile so far,” said Springgate.
The CDC is meeting today and reviewing data on the Pfizer COVID vaccine that’s already received emergency use authorization for 5 to 11 years olds from the FDA.
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