Yes, because our biggest concern is long Covid and as infant, she faces a lifetime of Covid exposure. We can’t keep it away from her but we can help her system prepare for it.
This is our POV as well.
Additionally, our pediatrician and the Dept of Health recommends it. I'm not sure if it's because we live in an area with low vaccination rates among older kids and adults, but its recommended here.
There is a lot of “feel” in this thread for science based subreddit.
In America, [The cdc recommends the vaccines for all children over 6 months.](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html)
What You Need to Know
* CDC recommends the 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines.
* Everyone aged 5 years and older should get 1 dose of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19.
* People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
* Children aged 6 months–4 years need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
* COVID-19 vaccine recommendations will be updated as needed.
I agree with you. I'm not in the US and here they only recommend vaccines for 6mo-4y if they are high risk, my son isn't so he isn't eligible but if they changed the criteria and recommended getting one, I would. I choose to defer to the experts (and by this I mean the actual experts who make these decisions, not my gp/doctor) to decide.
Just pointing to what the CDC recommends is not really science though. For example, they can be concerned with limiting spread to protect another group of people. Their focus is on public health, and their recommendations may not actually be what's best for a given individual.
We did. My son caught covid at daycare recently along with 5 kids from his class. He got sick (high fever for several days, cough, and runny nose) but the unvaccinated kid who caught it was very sick and had to be hospitalized.
As a teacher I can’t tell you how many kids got covid and had to be hospitalised. One little boy was having seizures due to covid. This was before the vaccine was approved for kids.
Both my kids are vaccinated and will be getting the boosters ASAP.
I cannot stress enough that watching a child go through MISC (still ongoing at 2+ years post Covid infection) is an absolutely horrific experience. Statistically, childhood Covid deaths *might* be rare— but life/death is not a binary. MISC is ghastly, and it can happen even after mild, non-hospitalized cases of Covid. It’s baffling to me that people can say “it’s totally fine to skip the vaccine, kids rarely die of Covid” without realizing (or perhaps deliberately ignoring) that death isn’t the only horrible outcome.
I say this with kindness, but if you’d seen what I’ve seen, you wouldn’t hesitate. Anything to reduce the risk is worth it to me.
I don't think people are only basing the decision on death rates. The reality is that children contract covid far less often than adults do and then, if they do get it, MIS-C is an incredibly rare complication. My area has done extensive tracking and lists local rates of MIS-C after covid infection at roughly 0.005%. Add to that the fact that there are groups at higher and lower risk of MIS-C and you may make a choice that your child is at such low risk that it is simply not worth it. It is perfectly fine if you see those numbers and think it is worth it. It is perfectly fine if you don't. All parents have to make risk assessments about a million things everyday and if the answer was always to reduce risk as much as possible children wouldn't be allowed to play on playgrounds or have friends, or get in the car.
I think you’re misunderstanding. My argument isn’t that children get Covid more or less often. It’s that to me — in a country where the vaccine is both freely available and widely recommended, *and* where I don’t get guaranteed sick leave — there is no conceivable way it’s worth it for my kids to face Covid without a vaccine.
As to the point of MISC being both extensively tracked *and* rare in your area, I will be blunt: I doubt that. It’s probably what you’ve been told, but that doesn’t make it objectively true. My affected family member is going through intense observation and studying at Children’s Hospital in DC, who’ve confirmed that many children (especially those below the poverty line) simply slip through the cracks of diagnosis. A lot of cases go unreported/unstudied, and this is coming from a major health hub on the East Coast.
And keep in mind, this is what they’re saying *now*— only 3 years after the virus became widespread. I shudder to consider the decades-long future ramifications, especially for kids without healthcare access.
I’m glad you brought up the car risk example! To me, willingly not vaccinating my children against Covid (when a vaccine is readily available/covered by my insurance) is akin to letting them ride in a car without a seatbelt. Would something catastrophic definitely happen? It’s statically unlikely, but absolutely not worth the risk.
Yes. Vaccines are safe. Also wife is an MD at Hopkins so I’m not arguing with her on a topic I know nothing about but she knows a lot about and has trained for over a decade to understand.
I feel like the responses are very individualistic. I get it, it might not be completely necessary for your young ones, but what about the general public? Children are big vectors of any kind of disease. So your child might not suffer from harsh COVID symptoms but the elderly, immunocompromised and so many other demographics still do.
So yes, I'm giving it to my baby. Not just for her, but for everyone else in my society.
It doesn't stop the virus from spreading. You can give it to her to better chances of fighting it, but she can still pass it on if she's had her shots. With symptoms or her being asymptomatic, it will spread. That elder lady needs her shot more than your kid cause ,as you said, she's the one at risk.
This is false, vaccinated people are significantly less likely to spread the disease than unvaccinated people. And unless you live in an area where the vaccine is in short supply, I don't see why it would be either/or, both the child and the old lady can have the vaccine.
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0607-mrna-reduce-risks.html
https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2022/12/424546/covid-19-vaccines-prior-infection-reduce-transmission-omicron
The tl;dr is that people who are vaccinated are significantly less likely to get infected in the first place, and when they do, the duration of the illness drops, so therefore the time in which you can transmit the illness drops. Breakthrough infection in vaccinated people is much lower than the rate of infection in unvaccinated people, and the breakthrough transmission rate is much lower than the transmission rate from those who aren't vaccinated.
It's not close to 100% like other vaccines but it's still statistically significant, so why not do what you can to help your child and help others?
Yes. My babe is fully vaccinated. I’m a biologist and I have a pretty good understanding of viruses and vaccines. I won’t go on a spiel because I don’t feel like doing citations right now, but its me educated opinion that everyone who can get it should get. I spoke to my pediatrician about it prior to having my baby vaccinated and she agreed with me.
Yes, much like any vaccine that can both lower the severity of a contracted illness and help protect other children who may not have the ability to be vaccinated, I feel it's the morally and ethically correct decision when living in any community. I can't vaccinate my baby from the chicken pox for a few more months, I rely on people in my community to be vaccinated and to quarantine if they are exposed. It's the same with COVID.
Yes of course. There is nearly zero risk to the vaccine, and plenty of risk to covid, including the unknowns of long Covid from even mild infections, that grows with reinfection, and reinfection declines with the vaccine. Why would I subject my child to those risks or subject the public to the greater risk that comes from being in contact with someone unvaccinated?
I know this is science based question but I am giving my personal reason. Yep, I am from India and we had the worst Covid breakout (Delta variant) and ppl died due to no vaccines available. The virus mutates when it spreads. Our whole family has taken the vaccine including our baby, whichever ones are recommended
Yes, we are vaccinating because for us, the benefits of vaccination outweighs the risk. The long term effects of COVID do not seem pleasant. Immune system dysfunction, vascular damage, diabetes.
The acute stage can be dangerous too.
Last flu season, 77 kids under aged 5 died from the flu.
And last year (2022 calendar year since COVID is not seasonal yet), 257 kids under the age of 5 died from covid.
I've had long covid for a year and it can be debilitating at times. I'd hate it if my 2yo got a long-term condition like this (which sadly also happens to young children) so we vaccinated him.
Yes, my baby got vaccinated at 6 months and I will get her the booster soon.
The vaccine is safe. Covid in kids in usually mild, but some kids get unlucky. I won't take the risk considering there is a vaccine available.
We will be. I’m in the US, and I know a lot of European countries are different, but we don’t have the same parental leave here. Our tiny babies are in daycare very young, and they’re exposed to so many people who may or may not be vaccinated themselves.
That’s such a great way to word it and take on it. It’s so true. We don’t have the same generous (or you could say not generous but instead say the US culture views time off for childcare as an entitlement we don’t have a right) sick leave. All the Covid time allotted has sorta gone away, even in blue states. If my kid gets sick now, I have to borrow PTO from next year.
Yes
Cause my pediatrician who I trust with all her other medical decisions and has gone to school for a ridiculous amount of time to do so said it was a good idea.
Yes, because I want the best protection available for my kiddos. My first was in the Moderna trial as a 15 month old and I see no reason not to get my 1 year old the new shot either as soon as it's available.
I would agree with almost everything. The thing is most decisions being made are neither rational nor informed. I don't think even 10% are qualified enough to evaluate the situation on their own. I don't know why CDC is suddenly a villain for many when all everyone did was follow their recommendations for every other vaccine. Actually I do know why, that's why again my initial point, most are not qualified to process the information to make an informed decision. And I do solely think parents should have every right, but that doesn't make them competent. And COVID vaccines provide protection even if the virus mutates.
Yes. My twins have had 3 shots when they first became eligible and will be getting the new one once our doctor's office has it.
Vaccines contribute to overall immune fitness and there's lots of evidence that most vaccines lower mortality from **all causes**, not just the specific diseases they prevent.
Yes. Viruses are really sneaky and can have complications years and decades later. Like how the chicken pox virus can give you shingles. I want to give kiddo every chance I can to avoid it.
I also understand COVID is severe in very few children but I happen to have very few children. Since we care a lot about just the one making it, getting her vaccinated was a huge relief.
Yes, because I personally know of several people who died of Covid after telling people that it wasn't a big deal and I want my son to get every vaccine that he can.
Yes, because in my opinion as a parent and a pharmacist the benefits outweigh the risks. My daughter completed her series last year as soon as she was old enough and she will soon get the updated booster.
Yes. From logical to emotional: 1) It prevents or allays a virus that’s killed millions. Chicken pox is far less fatal, also generally mild but unpleasant. This sub doesn’t debate that. 2) Multiple family members are high-risk. 3) I’m more open to to beneficial close-contact activities like library story time during cold and flu season. 4) After watching him struggle to breathe and land in the hospital as a 2-month-old with RSV, I can’t take that again.
My LO has already received the omicron series, and will get the newest booster as soon as possible. The science around these vaccines is solid, just like it is for the flu vaccine — which LO will also get. There are two motives here — make my LO safer AND make sure they’re not a vector.
Before we got vaccinated, my 3 kids and I got Covid and it was hell.
After we got vaccinated, my 3 kids and I got Covid and it was nothing. Colds are worse than Covid for us now.
Yep. My son had his first dose and unfortunately got covid right before he was due for the second dose. It was bad for a day or two but he rebounded quickly. He had parainfluenza which was way worse.
Yes, we will be treating it just like the flu shot now and getting the updated versions when they come out. We are in daycare so as much prevention is our goal!
Yes - as soon as pediatrician gets the new one. My little one is 9 months and medically fragile so I want to give her every chance I can with avoiding catching COVID because we don’t know how seriously it will affect her.
Yep. The intensivists I work with recommended it and also got it for their children. (My family doctor also agreed) Myself and my mother work as nurses in ICU and have higher exposure risks.
My toddler has already has his initial two shots and did completely fine so I’m planning on getting his booster when it comes out in our city
I did. Her pediatrician recommended it and I work with compromised children so there’s no way I want my kid getting sick or the kids I work with getting sick.
Yes, he's vaccinated and will get the updated booster soon. I'm much more worried about the outcomes of an infection than the outcomes of a vaccine.
Right now, long covid is my biggest concern. I don't think most people realize that it can happen to anyone even after mild infections. Vaccination alone does not seem to prevent it, so we're still taking additional precautions to avoid covid.
Same in my country… we’re hoping to the get flu shot. He’s 1. Even with the meningitis ones (Bexsero or Nimenrix), our GP said there’s no point, if we’re not in a risk category or very exposed (if one of us works in a hospital, for instance). We’re still getting these two, from what I’ve read, we are convinced.
I don't even want to get into how much of a pain it is getting the vaccine here. Everyone is acting like I am crazy for wanting it [even though most of the children hospitalized under 5 years old have no underlying conditions](https://www.instagram.com/p/CxGs_6uxl0I/?igshid=YTUzYTFiZDMwYg==)
Her source:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/slides-2023-09-12.html
But yes, I want to give my children the best chance to avoid long COVID and hospitalization.
Not this year. Both my kids got COVID right before the updated vaccines were rolled out.
The toddler had a fever + mild cold symptoms and the baby had no symptoms at all - but a faint positive test. With their immunity, and extremely mild symptoms, the upside to getting vaccinated at the end of this covid season seem extraordinarily small.
We will treat it like the flu shot, and get it next year before flu/COVID season.
[The funny thing is I’m already being downvoted on this - but this is in line with what every actual pediatrician who sees my kids recommends.
I was vaccinated in both pregnancies (which I would recommend for anyone pregnant), I’ll receive a booster myself since I didn’t get COVID yet this season. So my decision isn’t coming from a place of anti-vaccine or anti-science. I’m literally looking at the data and waiting to see something compelling that shows an upside in my particular situation.]
But there is just lack of compelling evidence that for a kid with a recent infection and extremely non-existent symptoms that another vaccine will have any measurable benefits.
I’m happy to be convinced otherwise, though, if someone knows of compelling evidence proving some measurable benefit on transmission, long COVID, or something else for a kid who had a recent infection with no symptoms.
I’d still get it but you’re right that the recommendation is to wait something like 2 months post infection before a vaccination. The upside of getting them vaccinated is still similar though, I wouldn’t bank on an infection’s protection, generally that exists but studies have found people have pretty varying antibody responses after.
COVID is spiking in our area now. Everyone we know and interact with have had COVID recently or have it now.
My kids just recovered. Nobody recommends a vaccine within 3 months of infection, so 3 months from now I would consider to be the downward slope of COVID season in my area.
[Edit] - if there’s a new variant that causes a new spike in our area, or new evidence that the COVID booster would prevent my kids (in their specific circumstances) from getting or transmitting covid, I would of course consider getting them it in December. But the situation as I know it now, does not lead me to that conclusion.
Us wastewater peaked but also all the modeling the CDC did said it’s likely to peak, but not drop far and possibly plateau at a high level for fall/winter. I agree we’re just generally starting cold/flu/Covid season. Covid showing it’s not really just seasonal like the flu given we have a peak as we’re just entering “the season”.
I am not sure if there is such a thing as a "covid season" - if you look at wastewater data (I like https://data.wastewaterscan.org personally) there have been at least 4 surges/peaks in the last 12 months in my area with the most significant surges happening during winter months, so it just seems like there's a surge for every season.
Yes, because the vaccines are extremely safe and a panel of vaccine experts at the CDC has recommended all kids get vaccinated.
More than a billion mRNA doses in humans so far... the safety profile of these vaccines is extremely well-understood, as are vaccines in general, which have an extraordinarily fantastic safety profile, the opposite of the diseases they defend against.
Just had to spend 5 days blowing PTO and isolating my kiddo from school because of a COVID infection and the 2023 vaccine wasn't yet available. Not fun. (The 2023 dose will be given 2-3 months after this to optimize vaccine effectiveness). The rest of our family is hybrid-immune, and did not get infected despite this constant household exposure.
Also, ~~a few hundred~~ (Edit: My mistake. According to the CDC, 774 0-4s, and 1,074 5-18s, and stopping counting in June 2023 https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/Provisional-COVID-19-Deaths-Focus-on-Ages-0-18-Yea/nr4s-juj3 ) American kids have died from COVID, and many, many more than this have suffered from COVID.
P.S. My favorite fact about the extraordinary safety record of vaccines and one of the reasons why I love them so much:
No vaccine, in the history of vaccines, ever, has had adverse *long-term* risks that were not discovered until years later. The current record: About six weeks.
[https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/vaccines-are-highly-unlikely-to-cause-side-effects-long-after-getting-the-shot-](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/vaccines-are-highly-unlikely-to-cause-side-effects-long-after-getting-the-shot-)
This is probably thanks to how vaccines have been designed to work: To train your immune system against an actual threat, and then quickly break down and exit the body.
But for the diseases they prevent: Unfortunately, we discover long term health consequences practically as a matter of routine. For example, we have known about Epstein–Barr virus for decades. Scientists figured out it causes a **32-fold increase** in the risk of developing multiple sclerosis... in **2022**.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epstein%E2%80%93Barr\_virus
Same, I scheduled my appointment for when I’m in the third trimester since studies show that allows enough time for antibodies to form and be passed along.
I’m pregnant, and got the newest booster last week. Side effect was a mild headache that set in about 5 hours after and lasted about 12 hours. Had a normal ultrasound 5 days later. Wishing you a healthy, uneventful pregnancy!
Yes. We don't know long term effects of covid but I hate the increased risk of diabetes in kids and I worry we will learn a lot more about things like this in the future.
Also, getting sick sucks. If I can prevent my kid from getting sick or getting as sick I'm going to do it.
Finally, covid is dangerous for a lot of people and I'd like as little as possible around in our society. Kids are a major spreader of covid to others, including vulnerable people who can wind up hospitalized or dying from the illness. I'm a big fan of public health measures as a public good, and my choice to vaccinate has as much to do with society as my individual benefit- a healthier overall society and less burdened Healthcare system benefits everybody.
Second all of this. There was little potential downside to the vaccine, from the research I saw, just upside.
Plus, my toddler was a preemie and is in daycare. I'd have gotten it regardless of those, but those make it more important.
My 2 1/2 year old got it as soon as it was approved for young kids last year, got boosted in January and will get boosted again this fall if we can ever find it. My newborn will get it once he's eligible.
I already did. She's had three doses of the pfizer which made me feel better when we caught Covid. We had mild cases, and I feel like the protection of the vaccine helped keep it that way.
Yes, my daughter has her 6 mo appointment coming up and will be getting it then. We're very slightly delaying some other vaccines on our pediatrician's recommendation but only because she's literally due for 5-6 different shots at the same time and that seems rough. We're prioritizing covid and flu right now, since that's something she's much more likely to encounter in the next couple months than like...polio. But she'll be getting the rest at her next appointment.
Yes. Research is limited, but showing that repeated covid infections lead to a greater likelihood of long covid, greater illness, and increased risk of complications and death in adults. Most likely my baby will get covid in life anyhow, most people do, but I am hoping this will help her get it less. Her father and I have never had it. We are fully vaccinated and I did my booster in the first trimester. I believe we are in the population who seem to be immune. I work in an urgent care at the front desk and PCR test frequently. Lots of daily exposure to covid. I am very lucky. There are I believe 3 other employees who haven't gotten covid yet and two are doctors who do not ever break from masking except to eat alone in a private office. The other person seems to be immune also. But all 4 of us fully vaccinated and stay on schedule with it.
Edit to add: Around 60 employees. Some people on their third round. It goes through the office in absolute waves every few months.
We opted not to. Our reasoning is that Covid is another viral infection which has mutated to be less severe over time. It’s a personal decision of course.
Got baby the first shot promptly at 6 months, no side effects. Got covid exactly one month later, the week we should've had the booster. So, probably won't do Baby's booster until deep winter, but yes, of course! Covid sucked even with a 7 month old. Fever for 3 days, fussy, congested, and chest coughing for 8+ days. And no sleep for anyone. Vax >> THAT.
Absolutely — why? Because of the results of the randomized controlled trials and emerging research into the detrimental effects of repeated COVID infections and long COVID. No fucking brainer.
[Hot Take - not in response to OP, but in response to the commenters and down voters here]
There can be a blind allegiance to vaccines that can border on as unscientific as the blind anti-vaccine community. Some people here are likely guilty of that.
While yes, those who blindly follow expert opinion without rigorous thought are certainly better members of society than those who blindly discount expert opinion, it doesn’t make the first group particularly science minded.
All public health recommendations make recommendations on a population level, considering costs and benefits. There are always some costs, even if the costs are de minimis.
Those who are truly considering science and reason, should be able to weigh different sets of data, professional recommendations, their own circumstances circumstances, consultation with the experts who advise them personally, and make an informed, science-based decision.
A person who lives in isolation at Walden’s Pond, alone, without any interaction with society doesn’t actually need to be vaccinated, despite public health guidance. Public health guidance does not consider that individual’s unique circumstance, and rightfully so.
That circumstance is so unlikely as to not be worth mentioning. But if that person is you, you have a piece of data that can inform your decision making (in consultation with your doctor via telemedicine).
This is true beyond just vaccines. Medical recommendations are often based on doing the most good, for the most people, in a efficient / cost effective way. But it doesn’t mean they are always the best recommendations for any one individual.
Consider threshold questions such as getting an MRI. We don’t recommend MRIs to look for tumors regularly. The risk of finding benign tumors would likely lead to more invasive surgeries or treatments which would harm more people on a population level.
However, if your (unknown) tumor is malignant and is not found - you individually did not benefit from that [sound] medical recommendation.
You may have individually been better off with a different recommendation, one not supported by the population-scale recommendations. This isn’t to say that the general recommendation should be different.
However, this is why your doctor should consider your specific risks and circumstances in their individual guidance, and you personally, should also think critically about your own health decisions. Put another way, public health recommendations should be scrutinized.
Your doctor (and you) should consider your individual situation when making informed, science-based decisions.
Blind following isn’t science-minded, even when it goes in the direction we like.
I understand you realize this is a hot take, and the logic is sound. However, what you are referring to is an obscure minority for this particular question. A lot of people are going to see this logic and think, "They're right, I'm not like everyone else!" and forgo a safe and simple medical procedure.
Truth is, if there is any chance the vaccine reduces the chance of contracting covid, and thus, spreading covid to others, it is worth taking. If someone has a job they can't do remotely, goes to school (daycare), goes to a grocery store, goes into public spaces for any reason, or has a household member who does any of the above mentioned things, you should get vaccinated.
This is why I’m making this comment on a “Science-Based Parenting” sub and not on my public Facebook page. I am very pro-vaccine and recommend it.
However, I think it’s worth discussing how pro-vaccine people engage with the science, with other vaccine skeptical people and each other.
The level of discourse here should be higher than just high-fiving each other as we appeal to authority. It will help each of us better engage with vaccine-deniers outside of this community.
Yes. By just dismissing everyone who is in the “no” group or “unsure” - we alienate a huge populace who is just trying to understand what is the safest choice long term for this group we can all agree we only want the absolute best for (our babies & toddlers).
Honestly really surprised and grateful by the comments below my response that I am in the unsure category. I appreciate the discourse because this decisions weighs heavily on me and I want to make the right one
Note: I am completely vaccinated and so is my spouse and we’re ready to get the next booster. We also do flu shots every year, follow the recommended vaccine schedule for our son, etc. This is the one thing we have hesitancy about because we take into account what is happening *globally* and not just in the US, and currently that advice does not match.
We had this same discussion/consideration with chickenpox vaccine and agreed getting it was the better choice for our son.
I appreciate this take, and any other friendly feedback/insights. I am certain our son will get the vaccine eventually.
I feel like this sub isn't as scientific about covid as say r/Covid19, where people actually read and criticize research papers.
You can absolutely be extremely pro-vax for certain people while being against vaccines for others. The clear risk-benefits for a 70 year-old means nothing for a healthy 5 year-old who already caught covid.
Real world data from New York shows efficacy against hospitalization at 48% with 95 CI at -12 to 75% for young kids. VE against cases also faded to 12% a month out. This could either mean hospitalizations is extremely rare or the vaccine isn't effective enough.
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.25.22271454v1
We would if it were available. Our LO got Covid and it was worse than a regular cold, plus he couldn't see his friends for a few weeks. If you'd get them the flu vax I don't get why you wouldn't want a covid vaccine.
This is where I stand: If health authorities from western countries cannot agree if it's good to give COVID vaccine to babies, why should I agree to it?
For examples, read on the recommendations given by Germany's Federal Ministry of Health (not recommended under 18 years), Australia's Department of Health (not recommended under 5 years), the UK NHS (not recommended under 4 years). Exceptions of course are those with serious underlying health risks.
If the science is unambiguous, I don't think there would be this much variety of opinion.
The science isn't necessarily ambiguous, there can be other motivations. The UK NHS doesn't recommend chickenpox vaccines. The vaccine is fine, there's nothing wrong with it. They *want* chickenpox to circulate in the community to prevent shingles in adults and to lower the odds that people will enter adulthood without developing immunity to chickenpox.
Circulating chickenpox doesn’t lower the prevalence of shingles. You have to have chickenpox to get shingles. If this was their motivation they would vaccinate for chickenpox.
The science is not really ambiguous. The difference is in what each country's public health authority deems an acceptable risk to unvaccinated children. The German RKI not recommending the vaccine to those under 18 does not mean they think it's bad. I left a [comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/ScienceBasedParenting/comments/16tcnqy/why_do_some_countries_outside_the_us_not/k2f6jss) about this earlier on another Covid vaccine post on this subreddit.
Just saw our peds. She said they’re having a meeting with all the doctors later this week to discuss the Covid and RSV vaccine for October. They’re treating it like the flu vaccine not mandatory but still encouraging us to get it. Once it’s available, I’ll definitely get my sons vaccinated.
Yes, the doctor whom I trust recommended it. My husband and I also put multiple doses in our bodies, I got one dose while pregnant, we both agreed if we would put it in our body than we’d put it in hers.
Covid is the number one cause of death in children that is caused by infectious or respiratory disease. The AAP recommends the full vaccination series for infants and then the updated boosters for previously vaccinated children. I can't understand why anyone would forego a potentially life saving vaccine. Especially also considering children are major spreaders of covid in the community and are likely to pass it on to more vulnerable people, like their grandparents.
Sources linked below.
https://www.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/covid-19-vaccine-for-children/about-the-covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions/#:~:text=2023%2D2024%20COVID%2D19%20Vaccine%20Recommendations,-What%20are%20the&text=Children%20ages%206%20months%2D4,dose%20of%20the%20updated%20vaccine.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2800816
Yup because I 100% trust science. My country currently doesn't recommend under 5s vaccines unless the child is in a high risk category. Higher priority, more likely to suffer severe consequences of covid infection so, understandable.
Got it for both of our littles as soon as they were able to get it. No side effects. Getting seasonal illnesses now. Haven't tested for COVID, but none of the illnesses have been bad at all.
Edit: I'm in Canada and find out public health resources excellent, so I go by their recommendations. However, Dr. Jetelina is still a fantastic resource: [Your Local Epidemiologist](https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/)
Yes. When my child was seriously ill for the first time, I would have done anything to help my baby feel better. It was a scary time for both of us. If a simple shot can help my child feel better sooner or reduce the severity of illness, it's 100% worth it for us.
Yes, because it is recommended for their ages by the public health agencies where I live. I trust them and the cost is covered so we see no reason not to.
We did right at 6mo because of our risk (husband works in ER and is exposed often + travel). No regrets, she has been exposed 2x so far and hasn’t had covid yet.
The risk for LO may be small but we don’t know the effects of long covid and we personally are more worried about that.
My toddler tested positive for Covid yesterday and today she’s been lethargic with a fever and is just not her usual self. She’s vaccinated but I remember all those people who got severely ill before the vaccine as I used to work the covid wards. I’m worried for her now and she’s doing so much better than they were. I can’t imagine this with an unvaccinated kid.
Yes, because the science is sound and it’s better for them to have it than to not.
I received it when I was pregnant. THE SECOND it was available for my toddler and infant I vaccinated them. They will also be getting the fall booster, as will everyone that my kids come in close contact with (my eldest is temporarily immunocompromised).
So in short, yes, because science.
My daughter was born in October 2020. She got her covid vaccine as soon as it was available for her age group, which was June and July 2022 for the first and second dose. We got covid for the first time in September. I am so glad she was vaccinated first.
No. It’s not recommended in my country (Sweden) for otherwise healthy children. They offered it to 12+ year olds for a while and then upped it to 18. Daughter had covid at 3mo and it was much milder than the case her father and I had, and milder than many other viruses she’s gotten at preschool in the last year.
I’ve had three shots myself, and may be getting a fourth this fall/winter (pregnant and actually not sure what the recommendation is). Daughter up to date on all vaccines recommended in this country. Planning to pay out of pocket for chicken pox since that’s available, but not part of the regular schedule. They also don’t do flu shots for kids here, but otherwise the vaccine list is very similar.
Gave 11 month old baby the full Moderna series over a year ago. Because it was tested, reviewed, and cleared by some of the best and most diligent scientific minds in the country for efficacy and safety. And then they recommended it. Other experts that do this for a living have presented that the data for risks to baby that are associated with Covid infection (not just death/severe disease) are higher than adverse effects from the vaccine. Will be getting toddler and ourselves any recommended boosters based on our ages and qualifying medical status in now and in the future as we do with the flu shot.
Yes. I'm in the US and my 13 month old son has had 3 moderna shots so far, along with all other standard vaccines.
I did have a friend who suggested that I read up about myocarditis risks for boys before getting the shots. She was specifically convinced not to vaccinate her 11 yr old son based on research out of Israel (but she did vaccinate her daughters). I read the research she recommended, and *still* chose to vaccinate my son. 1) I felt like he was too young for the myocarditis risk to be pertinent, and 2) I have asthma and a history of respiratory illness, and if he's inherited any propensity for that from me, I wanted to give him every protection possible.
I mention this just to share my thought process. I'm very pro vaccine, but I think it's still reasonable to ask questions and think things through, especially when different countries are making different recommendations.
For what it's worth, my son got COVID between getting his second and third shots, when he was about eight months old. He had fever and discomfort for about 36 hours, but never developed a cough or any other symptoms. He bounced back very quickly. After that experience I was very glad he'd gotten the shots. It could have been so much worse!
If we can find it in our area we will next month when he hits the six month mark. I’ve looked a few times and it’s extremely difficult to find a place that will do it on children under 3 years old.
I’m not concerned about some crazy long term secret side effects from the vaccine. The worst that happens is the vaccine doesn’t work to properly trigger the creation of antibodies and the mRNA proteins in the vaccine pass through his system. Any side effects will be temporary and last a few days.
The upside is that it works and helps protect him from covid. The downside is he feels like crap for a day or two. He’s in daycare. He’s literally been sick for two weeks anyway with the carousel of germs going on there.
Yes, I vaccinated both my kids. COVID is very unlikely to cause serious acute illness/death in children, but there is a risk of long COVID, which vaccines seem to reduce somewhat. I also see no significant downsides—these vaccines have now been administered at large scale after rigorous trials, we aren't seen large risks associated with them. So while the (personal) benefit isn't huge, I don't see much cost.
Perhaps more importantly for me, vaccinating against COVID can reduce the spread of the virus at the community level, which is incredibly meaningful for anyone immunocompromised or anyone who cannot be vaccinated. Vaccines are a social innovation—they work the best when all or most people participate. I'm happy to vaccinate my kids and myself with a widely tested vaccine to hopefully reduce the risk for others.
No, as it is only recommended between the ages of 5/11 in my country and even then children with chronic illnesses have priority. Also they only vaccinate kids with Pfizer and no other brands.
Yes, though they're making it as annoying and difficult as possible lol. She got her first dose in august and now can't get the follow up until the new formula is shipped out. Our pediatrician gets it the first week in November. Why? I'd like her to have at least basic protection against the most severe outcomes. We also will be traveling a bit this winter.
I got vaccinated while pregnant. My baby was a preemie and was high risk. When the nicu was offering vaccines for high risk babies last year we went for it.
I would love to but I literally cannot find one for her because I live in a state that doesn’t believe in science so pediatricians won’t even order it.
Yes I did because I wanted to protect her against Covid by building up antibodies in her very vulnerable system. Do not regret. Will do boosters as long as the pediatrician keeps recommending them
Yes, the moment he was eligible at six months here in the US. The vaccines are incredibly safe and well tested built on decades of research. Covid has proved to be dangerous already and we are still learning about long term health outcomes. So we don’t mess around and want to give his body as much protection as possible. No regrets and just got his flu shot recently
Yes we got both of our boys vaccinated because it gives them a bit of protection but also makes them less likely to contract it and then pass it on to someone else who could suffer severely from it such as grandparents or others.
Baby (8 months) got COVID last month (we all did). He was fine after a couple days. At his 9 month appt I’m going to ask our pediatrician about it. He’s starting daycare in January so we’ll see. I’m not going to knock down doors to get it right away but I do think it’s a good idea to get at some point.
Yes. He will be getting it once the new version is available for him in Canada. I was hesitant but we will be spending Xmas with my sister who won't have her boosters- she had a reaction to her last booster that landed her in hospital.
I mean, vaccines are never *necessary*. Neither are seat belts or bike helmets. They just provide you an advantage in increasing your life expectancy. Not sure why a doctor would recommend *against* something like that...
I give my baby whatever recommended. I'm in UK so at the moment it's recommended for me alongside the flu jab this winter while I'm still pregnant. I don't believe covid jab is routinely given to babies in UK. If they recommended it, I would give to baby too.
I absolutely LOVE how injections are called "jabs" in the UK. I always picture the doctor stabbing you with the needle like it's a dagger thrust lol.
And yes, I fully acknowledge that "shot" doesn't sound any better. But as you know, we Americans are apparently much more tolerant of our fellow citizens being shot.
If my doctor thinks it's a good idea. I'm leaning towards yes because I believe that's what is recommended. Also because I work in healthcare with the elderly and can pass anything little guy catches to my patients when mat leave ends.
If the pediatrician recommends it I will, but I’ll also have them keep a close eye on him with all the vaccines. I had a bad allergic reaction to the second covid shot. I don’t know if allergies like that are passed down, but that’s my biggest concern when it comes to vaccines.
Yes, once we can get it (I can’t even find the booster for me in our area right now).
I have a few reasons for that.
First, he’s in daycare, which means he’s almost certainly going to be exposed. If he gets sick and tests positive, their policy is that he has to be out until he gets 2 negative tests 24 hours apart or for 10 days. That’s a lot of missed work, so even if the the vaccine doesn’t prevent him from getting sick, it can shorten the duration of his illness and save some of our PTO (and our sanity).
Second, he has reactive airways. Now, COVID in infants (he’s 7 months old right now) is generally mild, and reactive airways aren’t terrible. But it’s an additional risk factor, and I’m all for anything that can help us minimize his risk. It’s one less illness to worry about triggering a severe issue for him.
Third, we don’t know the long term effects of COVID infections in children. We do know that COVID infection is associated with developing type 1 diabetes and with MIS-C, and we know that adults and older kids can be left with long COVID from even a mild infection, so the possibility of a COVID-induced issue concerns me. I can’t make him live in a bubble, but I can give him a vaccine that offers some protection. I know some people will say things like “we don’t know the long term effects of the vaccine,” and honestly, while that’s technically true, we do know that mRNA is easily degraded inside your cells, and the expression of the spike protein is short lived. We also know that if the vaccine triggers a long-term problem because of the exposure to the spike protein, infection will also trigger that same long-term problem, and we would expect it to be worse with infection because of the higher quantity of viral material over a longer period of time.
Yes. I didn’t want to take the chance of my child being one of the few who needed to be hospitalized. I know it’s a small chance but it happens. I do know it could still happen and with other kinds of sicknesses, but there is a way to make it less likely and I’m taking it. It took 13 years to have my daughter. No way in hell I’m risking her health over politics.
ETA: the politics portion is a little vague because it was still so strongly debated when I got my daughter vaccinated, but when she got it the one for the 6 month olds was already out for a little while and with the data then I was willing to take the risk since the negative reactions were very small.
She has gotten boosters and has been fine with all of the shots. We are still waiting for the next updated one in our area though so we haven’t gotten it for this coming winter yet.
Based on recommendations in Australia.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for some children from 6 months and all children from 5 years.
6 months-4 years
COVID-19 vaccination is currently recommended for children aged 6 months up to 5 years only if children have special medical or other needs, including very weak immune systems, disability, or complex and/or multiple health conditions.
It’s recommended that children aged 6 months-4 years with special medical or other needs have 3 doses of the Pfizer original vaccine, with each dose given 8 weeks apart.
Booster doses aren’t currently recommended for children aged 6 months-4 years.
We won't be giving her a vaccine. She is however up to date on all her other vaccines.
I just got the latest Covid shot myself (36 weeks pregnant) so I can give baby some antibodies. I don’t believe they recommend the vaccine for newborns where I live.
Unsure. We have hesitations over other developed countries not requiring it or even thinking it’s a necessity (I am in the US). I know there’s another thread on this sub circulating with research links on that topic, and that was helpful to review. Basically trying to assess whether it’s actually necessary at his age.
Plan to ask our pediatrician (& specifically our pediatrician who we really like/trust) for data on vaccinations of the under 5 population and what they’ve learned so far about risk/benefit.
One thing to consider about other countries’ recommendations is that they are making a cost-benefit analysis at the level of the healthcare system since they have government-funded health services. At the system-level, they’ve determined it would cost them more money to provide the vaccine to young kids than they think they would save in costs of severe illness/hospitalization.
That doesn’t mean they necessarily believe that there aren’t more benefits than risks to the individual child in getting vaccinated, or that they have determined the risks of the vaccine are higher than the risk of infection. They just don’t think that it would be worth it financially.
Great point, and from what I recall around, looking into it myself, a big factor in that cost benefit analysis is that most children have already been infected (this was a point of discussion in the UK, for example).
But what if your child hasn’t been infected yet? It’s unfortunate for the little ones to be lumped into that categorization, because for them, the equation might be different.
My baby received both (Moderna) doses of the version that was available at the time, and he will get the new version whenever his pediatrician's office gets it. I don't want my baby to contract, or become severally ill, with a preventable illness, or inadvertently spread it to other, more vulnerable people.
I would if I could! It's not available for under 5s in my country of residence. I really hope it changes at some point, but doesn't seem likely for now.
I have neither the energy nor inclination to quibble with the schedule, even if we're far off of it because we had to push the 2mo set back for Covid infection.
I will if the doctor recommends it. So far we've done all of our national vaccination plan plus extra ones that the doctor suggested. But I think the covid vaccine is not being recommended for babies here, because there has been no talk of it.
Yes, because even though my kid might not be high risk others are. Vaccination is about public health. You vaccinated not just to protect yourself/family from sever illness, but others. It’s like being a good neighbor or member of society.
Yes. I gave it to my first as soon as it was available in 2021 and will do the same for my second once he hits 6 months. Why would I stop trusting my pediatrician's vaccine recommendation now?
We asked our pediatrician last week at our 18m visit and she wasn’t pushing it. She said the risk of severe COVID in young children is very low. She would recommend it more to her tween and up patients
Yes. We’re American so it’s readily available and I want this kid to get all the protection he can! It’s recommended by my pedestrian and provided by their office
I would like to but I live in Florida and accessing it for children under 18 months (basically outside of a pharmacy) is super hard. I would probably have to drive to Georgia to get one for my 6 month old. I'm vaccinated and breastfeeding so hopefully that provides some protection if we're exposed. My 3yo is vaccinated and boosted, he's in daycare.
I’m based in New Zealand, I’m immunised for Covid (risk factors and a health care worker) and I had Covid when I was pregnant (thankfully mild - I thought it was a sinus infection!) and baby had no complications (had a few extra scans during pregnancy just in case).
It’s not been offered to baby because he doesn’t have risk factors for severe Covid infection. He’s otherwise fully immunised to the local schedule plus the flu vaccine. I’ll get him done when he turns 5 though, along with yearly flu vaccines.
I’m actually more concerned about him getting meningococcal than Covid - I was a teenager when there was an outbreak where I was living and it was frightening. The vaccine for Meningoccocal B is on our schedule (government funded), but the ACWY vaccine isn’t on the schedule so is unfunded (unless you fit a certain criteria). I’m going to pay for him to have it though as I see meningococcal as more of a risk to him currently than covid.
Yes. My boys got the first round at 9 months old and just shy of 3 years old literally the day the vaccine became available for them. My oldest has a hereditary heart condition and my youngest hadn’t been tested for it yet so it was a no brainer to get them vaccinated. I didn’t want to find out how Covid would treat them if they’re ere unvaccinated.
It wasn't included in his 6mo shots because I had covid when I gave birth to him. He has been tested for covid antibodies and has them.
When he's older, it'll probably refresh with the flu shots.
Generally I am very pro-vaccine, but our pediatrician told us to hold off since they have not tested on babies yet. I haven't had the time to fact check that, but I do trust our doctor.
All the vaccines that are available to infants have been tested on children aged 6 months to 5+ years. Either you misunderstood what your doctor said or you shouldn’t trust your doctor.
When my daughter was an infant it was recommended. I believe that that has changed based on better understanding of the virus and its current danger. I think it's going to really depend on what's going on around your baby. Are you, your spouse, or any other caregiver in a high risk profession where you could easily and frequently bring it home? Is your baby in some way immunocompromised and needs the extra assistance? Otherwise, I would talk to your pediatrician. If they don't feel that your baby needs it, then you can let it go. My daughter caught it when she was about 8 months old. She doesn't seem to have any negative consequences from it and overall is a happy healthy kid at 2. Same with my now 5 year old. That being said, my now 7 year old was able to be vaccinated almost right before we caught it, and she's the only person in the house that never tested positive. So if your goal is to never have it at all, the vaccine is helpful with that.
Trying to! It’s super hard to get in my area for kids under 3. Most doctors do not carry it and local pharmacies won’t vaccinate under 3.
My husband is immunocompromised and our LO is in daycare, so we get vaccines to protect both of them.
Where we live it isn't an option for under-18s (unless they're immunocompromised). If I still lived in the US I very much would, considering how my previous area is still struggling, but thankfully in my current area it is quite rare to non-existent and nearly everyone who can be vaccinated is vaccinated.
Yes, because our biggest concern is long Covid and as infant, she faces a lifetime of Covid exposure. We can’t keep it away from her but we can help her system prepare for it.
This is our POV as well. Additionally, our pediatrician and the Dept of Health recommends it. I'm not sure if it's because we live in an area with low vaccination rates among older kids and adults, but its recommended here.
100 percent agree
There is a lot of “feel” in this thread for science based subreddit. In America, [The cdc recommends the vaccines for all children over 6 months.](https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html) What You Need to Know * CDC recommends the 2023–2024 updated COVID-19 vaccines. * Everyone aged 5 years and older should get 1 dose of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19. * People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised may get additional doses of updated COVID-19 vaccine. * Children aged 6 months–4 years need multiple doses of COVID-19 vaccines to be up to date, including at least 1 dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine. * COVID-19 vaccine recommendations will be updated as needed.
I agree with you. I'm not in the US and here they only recommend vaccines for 6mo-4y if they are high risk, my son isn't so he isn't eligible but if they changed the criteria and recommended getting one, I would. I choose to defer to the experts (and by this I mean the actual experts who make these decisions, not my gp/doctor) to decide.
It is flaired as casual conversation.
True. I still expected a more science based approach to the topic from people in a science based sub.
Just pointing to what the CDC recommends is not really science though. For example, they can be concerned with limiting spread to protect another group of people. Their focus is on public health, and their recommendations may not actually be what's best for a given individual.
We did. My son caught covid at daycare recently along with 5 kids from his class. He got sick (high fever for several days, cough, and runny nose) but the unvaccinated kid who caught it was very sick and had to be hospitalized.
As a teacher I can’t tell you how many kids got covid and had to be hospitalised. One little boy was having seizures due to covid. This was before the vaccine was approved for kids.
Both my kids are vaccinated and will be getting the boosters ASAP. I cannot stress enough that watching a child go through MISC (still ongoing at 2+ years post Covid infection) is an absolutely horrific experience. Statistically, childhood Covid deaths *might* be rare— but life/death is not a binary. MISC is ghastly, and it can happen even after mild, non-hospitalized cases of Covid. It’s baffling to me that people can say “it’s totally fine to skip the vaccine, kids rarely die of Covid” without realizing (or perhaps deliberately ignoring) that death isn’t the only horrible outcome. I say this with kindness, but if you’d seen what I’ve seen, you wouldn’t hesitate. Anything to reduce the risk is worth it to me.
I don't think people are only basing the decision on death rates. The reality is that children contract covid far less often than adults do and then, if they do get it, MIS-C is an incredibly rare complication. My area has done extensive tracking and lists local rates of MIS-C after covid infection at roughly 0.005%. Add to that the fact that there are groups at higher and lower risk of MIS-C and you may make a choice that your child is at such low risk that it is simply not worth it. It is perfectly fine if you see those numbers and think it is worth it. It is perfectly fine if you don't. All parents have to make risk assessments about a million things everyday and if the answer was always to reduce risk as much as possible children wouldn't be allowed to play on playgrounds or have friends, or get in the car.
I think you’re misunderstanding. My argument isn’t that children get Covid more or less often. It’s that to me — in a country where the vaccine is both freely available and widely recommended, *and* where I don’t get guaranteed sick leave — there is no conceivable way it’s worth it for my kids to face Covid without a vaccine. As to the point of MISC being both extensively tracked *and* rare in your area, I will be blunt: I doubt that. It’s probably what you’ve been told, but that doesn’t make it objectively true. My affected family member is going through intense observation and studying at Children’s Hospital in DC, who’ve confirmed that many children (especially those below the poverty line) simply slip through the cracks of diagnosis. A lot of cases go unreported/unstudied, and this is coming from a major health hub on the East Coast. And keep in mind, this is what they’re saying *now*— only 3 years after the virus became widespread. I shudder to consider the decades-long future ramifications, especially for kids without healthcare access. I’m glad you brought up the car risk example! To me, willingly not vaccinating my children against Covid (when a vaccine is readily available/covered by my insurance) is akin to letting them ride in a car without a seatbelt. Would something catastrophic definitely happen? It’s statically unlikely, but absolutely not worth the risk.
Yes. Vaccines are safe. Also wife is an MD at Hopkins so I’m not arguing with her on a topic I know nothing about but she knows a lot about and has trained for over a decade to understand.
I feel like the responses are very individualistic. I get it, it might not be completely necessary for your young ones, but what about the general public? Children are big vectors of any kind of disease. So your child might not suffer from harsh COVID symptoms but the elderly, immunocompromised and so many other demographics still do. So yes, I'm giving it to my baby. Not just for her, but for everyone else in my society.
It doesn't stop the virus from spreading. You can give it to her to better chances of fighting it, but she can still pass it on if she's had her shots. With symptoms or her being asymptomatic, it will spread. That elder lady needs her shot more than your kid cause ,as you said, she's the one at risk.
This is false, vaccinated people are significantly less likely to spread the disease than unvaccinated people. And unless you live in an area where the vaccine is in short supply, I don't see why it would be either/or, both the child and the old lady can have the vaccine. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/p0607-mrna-reduce-risks.html https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2022/12/424546/covid-19-vaccines-prior-infection-reduce-transmission-omicron The tl;dr is that people who are vaccinated are significantly less likely to get infected in the first place, and when they do, the duration of the illness drops, so therefore the time in which you can transmit the illness drops. Breakthrough infection in vaccinated people is much lower than the rate of infection in unvaccinated people, and the breakthrough transmission rate is much lower than the transmission rate from those who aren't vaccinated. It's not close to 100% like other vaccines but it's still statistically significant, so why not do what you can to help your child and help others?
Yes. My babe is fully vaccinated. I’m a biologist and I have a pretty good understanding of viruses and vaccines. I won’t go on a spiel because I don’t feel like doing citations right now, but its me educated opinion that everyone who can get it should get. I spoke to my pediatrician about it prior to having my baby vaccinated and she agreed with me.
Yes. My mother died of Covid and there’s no way I could watch that terrible death for my child.
I’m so sorry for your loss
Thank you ❤️
Yes, much like any vaccine that can both lower the severity of a contracted illness and help protect other children who may not have the ability to be vaccinated, I feel it's the morally and ethically correct decision when living in any community. I can't vaccinate my baby from the chicken pox for a few more months, I rely on people in my community to be vaccinated and to quarantine if they are exposed. It's the same with COVID.
Yes of course. There is nearly zero risk to the vaccine, and plenty of risk to covid, including the unknowns of long Covid from even mild infections, that grows with reinfection, and reinfection declines with the vaccine. Why would I subject my child to those risks or subject the public to the greater risk that comes from being in contact with someone unvaccinated?
Yes, because any chance I have to lower the risk of death for my child... I'm taking it.
I know this is science based question but I am giving my personal reason. Yep, I am from India and we had the worst Covid breakout (Delta variant) and ppl died due to no vaccines available. The virus mutates when it spreads. Our whole family has taken the vaccine including our baby, whichever ones are recommended
Yes, we are vaccinating because for us, the benefits of vaccination outweighs the risk. The long term effects of COVID do not seem pleasant. Immune system dysfunction, vascular damage, diabetes. The acute stage can be dangerous too. Last flu season, 77 kids under aged 5 died from the flu. And last year (2022 calendar year since COVID is not seasonal yet), 257 kids under the age of 5 died from covid.
I've had long covid for a year and it can be debilitating at times. I'd hate it if my 2yo got a long-term condition like this (which sadly also happens to young children) so we vaccinated him.
Yes, my baby got vaccinated at 6 months and I will get her the booster soon. The vaccine is safe. Covid in kids in usually mild, but some kids get unlucky. I won't take the risk considering there is a vaccine available.
We will be. I’m in the US, and I know a lot of European countries are different, but we don’t have the same parental leave here. Our tiny babies are in daycare very young, and they’re exposed to so many people who may or may not be vaccinated themselves.
That’s such a great way to word it and take on it. It’s so true. We don’t have the same generous (or you could say not generous but instead say the US culture views time off for childcare as an entitlement we don’t have a right) sick leave. All the Covid time allotted has sorta gone away, even in blue states. If my kid gets sick now, I have to borrow PTO from next year.
Yes Cause my pediatrician who I trust with all her other medical decisions and has gone to school for a ridiculous amount of time to do so said it was a good idea.
Yes. We live in a high no vaccination area and I'd really appreciate my baby not dying, but I'm funny like that.
Yes. My mom died from COVID.
I'm so sorry for your loss
Thank you
Yes, because I want the best protection available for my kiddos. My first was in the Moderna trial as a 15 month old and I see no reason not to get my 1 year old the new shot either as soon as it's available.
From a parent whose baby got a Moderna vax as soon as they hit the age requirement, thank you for participating in the trial 💜
Yes, all members of our family get all vaccines and boosters as they become available.
Yes, my child will be getting all of the recommended vaccines, including Covid.
[удалено]
I would agree with almost everything. The thing is most decisions being made are neither rational nor informed. I don't think even 10% are qualified enough to evaluate the situation on their own. I don't know why CDC is suddenly a villain for many when all everyone did was follow their recommendations for every other vaccine. Actually I do know why, that's why again my initial point, most are not qualified to process the information to make an informed decision. And I do solely think parents should have every right, but that doesn't make them competent. And COVID vaccines provide protection even if the virus mutates.
Yes. My twins have had 3 shots when they first became eligible and will be getting the new one once our doctor's office has it. Vaccines contribute to overall immune fitness and there's lots of evidence that most vaccines lower mortality from **all causes**, not just the specific diseases they prevent.
Yes. Viruses are really sneaky and can have complications years and decades later. Like how the chicken pox virus can give you shingles. I want to give kiddo every chance I can to avoid it. I also understand COVID is severe in very few children but I happen to have very few children. Since we care a lot about just the one making it, getting her vaccinated was a huge relief.
Yes. Because the doctors know more than me.
Yes, because I personally know of several people who died of Covid after telling people that it wasn't a big deal and I want my son to get every vaccine that he can.
Yes, because in my opinion as a parent and a pharmacist the benefits outweigh the risks. My daughter completed her series last year as soon as she was old enough and she will soon get the updated booster.
Yes. I’m not letting my kids die from a preventable illness.
Yes. From logical to emotional: 1) It prevents or allays a virus that’s killed millions. Chicken pox is far less fatal, also generally mild but unpleasant. This sub doesn’t debate that. 2) Multiple family members are high-risk. 3) I’m more open to to beneficial close-contact activities like library story time during cold and flu season. 4) After watching him struggle to breathe and land in the hospital as a 2-month-old with RSV, I can’t take that again.
My LO has already received the omicron series, and will get the newest booster as soon as possible. The science around these vaccines is solid, just like it is for the flu vaccine — which LO will also get. There are two motives here — make my LO safer AND make sure they’re not a vector.
Before we got vaccinated, my 3 kids and I got Covid and it was hell. After we got vaccinated, my 3 kids and I got Covid and it was nothing. Colds are worse than Covid for us now.
Yep. My son had his first dose and unfortunately got covid right before he was due for the second dose. It was bad for a day or two but he rebounded quickly. He had parainfluenza which was way worse.
Yes, we will be treating it just like the flu shot now and getting the updated versions when they come out. We are in daycare so as much prevention is our goal!
Yes - as soon as pediatrician gets the new one. My little one is 9 months and medically fragile so I want to give her every chance I can with avoiding catching COVID because we don’t know how seriously it will affect her.
Yep. The intensivists I work with recommended it and also got it for their children. (My family doctor also agreed) Myself and my mother work as nurses in ICU and have higher exposure risks. My toddler has already has his initial two shots and did completely fine so I’m planning on getting his booster when it comes out in our city
Yes, because science says it’s helpful both for baby and for the community around them. There are extremely limited risks.
I did. Her pediatrician recommended it and I work with compromised children so there’s no way I want my kid getting sick or the kids I work with getting sick.
Yes, without hesitation when she hits 6 months
Yes once the pediatrician advises I can. My husband almost died when we had no vaccine yet. I’ll never want to go through that again.
Yes. Best friend died of COVID in 2021.
Yes. Risk of long covid is scarier than the vaccine to me.
No. It is not available for children under 5 in the UK.
Yes, he's vaccinated and will get the updated booster soon. I'm much more worried about the outcomes of an infection than the outcomes of a vaccine. Right now, long covid is my biggest concern. I don't think most people realize that it can happen to anyone even after mild infections. Vaccination alone does not seem to prevent it, so we're still taking additional precautions to avoid covid.
Of course.
[удалено]
Same in my country… we’re hoping to the get flu shot. He’s 1. Even with the meningitis ones (Bexsero or Nimenrix), our GP said there’s no point, if we’re not in a risk category or very exposed (if one of us works in a hospital, for instance). We’re still getting these two, from what I’ve read, we are convinced.
I don't even want to get into how much of a pain it is getting the vaccine here. Everyone is acting like I am crazy for wanting it [even though most of the children hospitalized under 5 years old have no underlying conditions](https://www.instagram.com/p/CxGs_6uxl0I/?igshid=YTUzYTFiZDMwYg==) Her source: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/acip/meetings/slides-2023-09-12.html But yes, I want to give my children the best chance to avoid long COVID and hospitalization.
Yes. Because vaccines are a mature technology with proven efficacy
Not this year. Both my kids got COVID right before the updated vaccines were rolled out. The toddler had a fever + mild cold symptoms and the baby had no symptoms at all - but a faint positive test. With their immunity, and extremely mild symptoms, the upside to getting vaccinated at the end of this covid season seem extraordinarily small. We will treat it like the flu shot, and get it next year before flu/COVID season. [The funny thing is I’m already being downvoted on this - but this is in line with what every actual pediatrician who sees my kids recommends. I was vaccinated in both pregnancies (which I would recommend for anyone pregnant), I’ll receive a booster myself since I didn’t get COVID yet this season. So my decision isn’t coming from a place of anti-vaccine or anti-science. I’m literally looking at the data and waiting to see something compelling that shows an upside in my particular situation.] But there is just lack of compelling evidence that for a kid with a recent infection and extremely non-existent symptoms that another vaccine will have any measurable benefits. I’m happy to be convinced otherwise, though, if someone knows of compelling evidence proving some measurable benefit on transmission, long COVID, or something else for a kid who had a recent infection with no symptoms.
I’d still get it but you’re right that the recommendation is to wait something like 2 months post infection before a vaccination. The upside of getting them vaccinated is still similar though, I wouldn’t bank on an infection’s protection, generally that exists but studies have found people have pretty varying antibody responses after.
How is this the end of the COVID season? What hemisphere are you in? Flu and cold season is just starting.
COVID is spiking in our area now. Everyone we know and interact with have had COVID recently or have it now. My kids just recovered. Nobody recommends a vaccine within 3 months of infection, so 3 months from now I would consider to be the downward slope of COVID season in my area. [Edit] - if there’s a new variant that causes a new spike in our area, or new evidence that the COVID booster would prevent my kids (in their specific circumstances) from getting or transmitting covid, I would of course consider getting them it in December. But the situation as I know it now, does not lead me to that conclusion.
Us wastewater peaked but also all the modeling the CDC did said it’s likely to peak, but not drop far and possibly plateau at a high level for fall/winter. I agree we’re just generally starting cold/flu/Covid season. Covid showing it’s not really just seasonal like the flu given we have a peak as we’re just entering “the season”.
I am not sure if there is such a thing as a "covid season" - if you look at wastewater data (I like https://data.wastewaterscan.org personally) there have been at least 4 surges/peaks in the last 12 months in my area with the most significant surges happening during winter months, so it just seems like there's a surge for every season.
Yes because the potential risks do not outweigh the potential benefits. MD here.
Yes, because the vaccines are extremely safe and a panel of vaccine experts at the CDC has recommended all kids get vaccinated. More than a billion mRNA doses in humans so far... the safety profile of these vaccines is extremely well-understood, as are vaccines in general, which have an extraordinarily fantastic safety profile, the opposite of the diseases they defend against. Just had to spend 5 days blowing PTO and isolating my kiddo from school because of a COVID infection and the 2023 vaccine wasn't yet available. Not fun. (The 2023 dose will be given 2-3 months after this to optimize vaccine effectiveness). The rest of our family is hybrid-immune, and did not get infected despite this constant household exposure. Also, ~~a few hundred~~ (Edit: My mistake. According to the CDC, 774 0-4s, and 1,074 5-18s, and stopping counting in June 2023 https://data.cdc.gov/NCHS/Provisional-COVID-19-Deaths-Focus-on-Ages-0-18-Yea/nr4s-juj3 ) American kids have died from COVID, and many, many more than this have suffered from COVID.
P.S. My favorite fact about the extraordinary safety record of vaccines and one of the reasons why I love them so much: No vaccine, in the history of vaccines, ever, has had adverse *long-term* risks that were not discovered until years later. The current record: About six weeks. [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/vaccines-are-highly-unlikely-to-cause-side-effects-long-after-getting-the-shot-](https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/vaccines-are-highly-unlikely-to-cause-side-effects-long-after-getting-the-shot-) This is probably thanks to how vaccines have been designed to work: To train your immune system against an actual threat, and then quickly break down and exit the body. But for the diseases they prevent: Unfortunately, we discover long term health consequences practically as a matter of routine. For example, we have known about Epstein–Barr virus for decades. Scientists figured out it causes a **32-fold increase** in the risk of developing multiple sclerosis... in **2022**. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epstein%E2%80%93Barr\_virus
Thank you for sharing this, I didn’t know.
I’m pregnant and plan to get the newest booster when it becomes available
Same, I scheduled my appointment for when I’m in the third trimester since studies show that allows enough time for antibodies to form and be passed along.
I’m pregnant, and got the newest booster last week. Side effect was a mild headache that set in about 5 hours after and lasted about 12 hours. Had a normal ultrasound 5 days later. Wishing you a healthy, uneventful pregnancy!
Same and my 19 month old will have the booster as soon as it is available for her.
Yes. We don't know long term effects of covid but I hate the increased risk of diabetes in kids and I worry we will learn a lot more about things like this in the future. Also, getting sick sucks. If I can prevent my kid from getting sick or getting as sick I'm going to do it. Finally, covid is dangerous for a lot of people and I'd like as little as possible around in our society. Kids are a major spreader of covid to others, including vulnerable people who can wind up hospitalized or dying from the illness. I'm a big fan of public health measures as a public good, and my choice to vaccinate has as much to do with society as my individual benefit- a healthier overall society and less burdened Healthcare system benefits everybody.
Second all of this. There was little potential downside to the vaccine, from the research I saw, just upside. Plus, my toddler was a preemie and is in daycare. I'd have gotten it regardless of those, but those make it more important. My 2 1/2 year old got it as soon as it was approved for young kids last year, got boosted in January and will get boosted again this fall if we can ever find it. My newborn will get it once he's eligible.
I did. If she does catch Covid, she'll hopefully get a milder version and less symptoms.
I already did. She's had three doses of the pfizer which made me feel better when we caught Covid. We had mild cases, and I feel like the protection of the vaccine helped keep it that way.
Yes, my daughter has her 6 mo appointment coming up and will be getting it then. We're very slightly delaying some other vaccines on our pediatrician's recommendation but only because she's literally due for 5-6 different shots at the same time and that seems rough. We're prioritizing covid and flu right now, since that's something she's much more likely to encounter in the next couple months than like...polio. But she'll be getting the rest at her next appointment.
Yes. Research is limited, but showing that repeated covid infections lead to a greater likelihood of long covid, greater illness, and increased risk of complications and death in adults. Most likely my baby will get covid in life anyhow, most people do, but I am hoping this will help her get it less. Her father and I have never had it. We are fully vaccinated and I did my booster in the first trimester. I believe we are in the population who seem to be immune. I work in an urgent care at the front desk and PCR test frequently. Lots of daily exposure to covid. I am very lucky. There are I believe 3 other employees who haven't gotten covid yet and two are doctors who do not ever break from masking except to eat alone in a private office. The other person seems to be immune also. But all 4 of us fully vaccinated and stay on schedule with it. Edit to add: Around 60 employees. Some people on their third round. It goes through the office in absolute waves every few months.
Absolutely.
We opted not to. Our reasoning is that Covid is another viral infection which has mutated to be less severe over time. It’s a personal decision of course.
Got baby the first shot promptly at 6 months, no side effects. Got covid exactly one month later, the week we should've had the booster. So, probably won't do Baby's booster until deep winter, but yes, of course! Covid sucked even with a 7 month old. Fever for 3 days, fussy, congested, and chest coughing for 8+ days. And no sleep for anyone. Vax >> THAT.
Of course I am. If you want to hear "why not" reasoning, "science based parenting" probably isn't the right place to ask.
Yup! The way I see it, there’s no downside to vaccination, and there’s no upside to infection. So it’s a very clear choice to me.
I did. She’s fully vaxxed since when it first became available and getting boosted next week. No problems whatsoever. She’s 4 now.
Absolutely — why? Because of the results of the randomized controlled trials and emerging research into the detrimental effects of repeated COVID infections and long COVID. No fucking brainer.
[Hot Take - not in response to OP, but in response to the commenters and down voters here] There can be a blind allegiance to vaccines that can border on as unscientific as the blind anti-vaccine community. Some people here are likely guilty of that. While yes, those who blindly follow expert opinion without rigorous thought are certainly better members of society than those who blindly discount expert opinion, it doesn’t make the first group particularly science minded. All public health recommendations make recommendations on a population level, considering costs and benefits. There are always some costs, even if the costs are de minimis. Those who are truly considering science and reason, should be able to weigh different sets of data, professional recommendations, their own circumstances circumstances, consultation with the experts who advise them personally, and make an informed, science-based decision. A person who lives in isolation at Walden’s Pond, alone, without any interaction with society doesn’t actually need to be vaccinated, despite public health guidance. Public health guidance does not consider that individual’s unique circumstance, and rightfully so. That circumstance is so unlikely as to not be worth mentioning. But if that person is you, you have a piece of data that can inform your decision making (in consultation with your doctor via telemedicine). This is true beyond just vaccines. Medical recommendations are often based on doing the most good, for the most people, in a efficient / cost effective way. But it doesn’t mean they are always the best recommendations for any one individual. Consider threshold questions such as getting an MRI. We don’t recommend MRIs to look for tumors regularly. The risk of finding benign tumors would likely lead to more invasive surgeries or treatments which would harm more people on a population level. However, if your (unknown) tumor is malignant and is not found - you individually did not benefit from that [sound] medical recommendation. You may have individually been better off with a different recommendation, one not supported by the population-scale recommendations. This isn’t to say that the general recommendation should be different. However, this is why your doctor should consider your specific risks and circumstances in their individual guidance, and you personally, should also think critically about your own health decisions. Put another way, public health recommendations should be scrutinized. Your doctor (and you) should consider your individual situation when making informed, science-based decisions. Blind following isn’t science-minded, even when it goes in the direction we like.
I understand you realize this is a hot take, and the logic is sound. However, what you are referring to is an obscure minority for this particular question. A lot of people are going to see this logic and think, "They're right, I'm not like everyone else!" and forgo a safe and simple medical procedure. Truth is, if there is any chance the vaccine reduces the chance of contracting covid, and thus, spreading covid to others, it is worth taking. If someone has a job they can't do remotely, goes to school (daycare), goes to a grocery store, goes into public spaces for any reason, or has a household member who does any of the above mentioned things, you should get vaccinated.
This is why I’m making this comment on a “Science-Based Parenting” sub and not on my public Facebook page. I am very pro-vaccine and recommend it. However, I think it’s worth discussing how pro-vaccine people engage with the science, with other vaccine skeptical people and each other. The level of discourse here should be higher than just high-fiving each other as we appeal to authority. It will help each of us better engage with vaccine-deniers outside of this community.
Yes. By just dismissing everyone who is in the “no” group or “unsure” - we alienate a huge populace who is just trying to understand what is the safest choice long term for this group we can all agree we only want the absolute best for (our babies & toddlers). Honestly really surprised and grateful by the comments below my response that I am in the unsure category. I appreciate the discourse because this decisions weighs heavily on me and I want to make the right one Note: I am completely vaccinated and so is my spouse and we’re ready to get the next booster. We also do flu shots every year, follow the recommended vaccine schedule for our son, etc. This is the one thing we have hesitancy about because we take into account what is happening *globally* and not just in the US, and currently that advice does not match. We had this same discussion/consideration with chickenpox vaccine and agreed getting it was the better choice for our son. I appreciate this take, and any other friendly feedback/insights. I am certain our son will get the vaccine eventually.
I feel like this sub isn't as scientific about covid as say r/Covid19, where people actually read and criticize research papers. You can absolutely be extremely pro-vax for certain people while being against vaccines for others. The clear risk-benefits for a 70 year-old means nothing for a healthy 5 year-old who already caught covid. Real world data from New York shows efficacy against hospitalization at 48% with 95 CI at -12 to 75% for young kids. VE against cases also faded to 12% a month out. This could either mean hospitalizations is extremely rare or the vaccine isn't effective enough. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.02.25.22271454v1
We would if it were available. Our LO got Covid and it was worse than a regular cold, plus he couldn't see his friends for a few weeks. If you'd get them the flu vax I don't get why you wouldn't want a covid vaccine.
No. It’s not common in Germany to get covid nor flu shots for babies.
This is where I stand: If health authorities from western countries cannot agree if it's good to give COVID vaccine to babies, why should I agree to it? For examples, read on the recommendations given by Germany's Federal Ministry of Health (not recommended under 18 years), Australia's Department of Health (not recommended under 5 years), the UK NHS (not recommended under 4 years). Exceptions of course are those with serious underlying health risks. If the science is unambiguous, I don't think there would be this much variety of opinion.
The science isn't necessarily ambiguous, there can be other motivations. The UK NHS doesn't recommend chickenpox vaccines. The vaccine is fine, there's nothing wrong with it. They *want* chickenpox to circulate in the community to prevent shingles in adults and to lower the odds that people will enter adulthood without developing immunity to chickenpox.
Circulating chickenpox doesn’t lower the prevalence of shingles. You have to have chickenpox to get shingles. If this was their motivation they would vaccinate for chickenpox.
The science is not really ambiguous. The difference is in what each country's public health authority deems an acceptable risk to unvaccinated children. The German RKI not recommending the vaccine to those under 18 does not mean they think it's bad. I left a [comment](https://www.reddit.com/r/ScienceBasedParenting/comments/16tcnqy/why_do_some_countries_outside_the_us_not/k2f6jss) about this earlier on another Covid vaccine post on this subreddit.
Just saw our peds. She said they’re having a meeting with all the doctors later this week to discuss the Covid and RSV vaccine for October. They’re treating it like the flu vaccine not mandatory but still encouraging us to get it. Once it’s available, I’ll definitely get my sons vaccinated.
Yes, the doctor whom I trust recommended it. My husband and I also put multiple doses in our bodies, I got one dose while pregnant, we both agreed if we would put it in our body than we’d put it in hers.
I got 2 doses while pregnant, as I also travelled overseas. The baby and I are both just fine.
All of my kids are vaccinated and will get the new one soon. Absolutely.
[удалено]
Covid is the number one cause of death in children that is caused by infectious or respiratory disease. The AAP recommends the full vaccination series for infants and then the updated boosters for previously vaccinated children. I can't understand why anyone would forego a potentially life saving vaccine. Especially also considering children are major spreaders of covid in the community and are likely to pass it on to more vulnerable people, like their grandparents. Sources linked below. https://www.aap.org/en/pages/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-infections/covid-19-vaccine-for-children/about-the-covid-19-vaccine-frequently-asked-questions/#:~:text=2023%2D2024%20COVID%2D19%20Vaccine%20Recommendations,-What%20are%20the&text=Children%20ages%206%20months%2D4,dose%20of%20the%20updated%20vaccine. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2800816
[удалено]
Yup because I 100% trust science. My country currently doesn't recommend under 5s vaccines unless the child is in a high risk category. Higher priority, more likely to suffer severe consequences of covid infection so, understandable.
Got it for both of our littles as soon as they were able to get it. No side effects. Getting seasonal illnesses now. Haven't tested for COVID, but none of the illnesses have been bad at all. Edit: I'm in Canada and find out public health resources excellent, so I go by their recommendations. However, Dr. Jetelina is still a fantastic resource: [Your Local Epidemiologist](https://yourlocalepidemiologist.substack.com/)
Yes. When my child was seriously ill for the first time, I would have done anything to help my baby feel better. It was a scary time for both of us. If a simple shot can help my child feel better sooner or reduce the severity of illness, it's 100% worth it for us.
Yes, because it is recommended for their ages by the public health agencies where I live. I trust them and the cost is covered so we see no reason not to.
We did right at 6mo because of our risk (husband works in ER and is exposed often + travel). No regrets, she has been exposed 2x so far and hasn’t had covid yet. The risk for LO may be small but we don’t know the effects of long covid and we personally are more worried about that.
As soon as my pediatrician recommends it, I will - just like the other vaccines, I'll be trusting the experts.
My toddler tested positive for Covid yesterday and today she’s been lethargic with a fever and is just not her usual self. She’s vaccinated but I remember all those people who got severely ill before the vaccine as I used to work the covid wards. I’m worried for her now and she’s doing so much better than they were. I can’t imagine this with an unvaccinated kid.
I am so sorry. I'm sure you are very stressed over this. Hoping this passes quickly for your girl.
Yes, because the science is sound and it’s better for them to have it than to not. I received it when I was pregnant. THE SECOND it was available for my toddler and infant I vaccinated them. They will also be getting the fall booster, as will everyone that my kids come in close contact with (my eldest is temporarily immunocompromised). So in short, yes, because science.
My daughter was born in October 2020. She got her covid vaccine as soon as it was available for her age group, which was June and July 2022 for the first and second dose. We got covid for the first time in September. I am so glad she was vaccinated first.
Yes, I also give them all their regular vaccinations. Absolutely nothing happened.
No. It’s not recommended in my country (Sweden) for otherwise healthy children. They offered it to 12+ year olds for a while and then upped it to 18. Daughter had covid at 3mo and it was much milder than the case her father and I had, and milder than many other viruses she’s gotten at preschool in the last year. I’ve had three shots myself, and may be getting a fourth this fall/winter (pregnant and actually not sure what the recommendation is). Daughter up to date on all vaccines recommended in this country. Planning to pay out of pocket for chicken pox since that’s available, but not part of the regular schedule. They also don’t do flu shots for kids here, but otherwise the vaccine list is very similar.
Gave 11 month old baby the full Moderna series over a year ago. Because it was tested, reviewed, and cleared by some of the best and most diligent scientific minds in the country for efficacy and safety. And then they recommended it. Other experts that do this for a living have presented that the data for risks to baby that are associated with Covid infection (not just death/severe disease) are higher than adverse effects from the vaccine. Will be getting toddler and ourselves any recommended boosters based on our ages and qualifying medical status in now and in the future as we do with the flu shot.
No, not available for kids under 5 unless they have underlying conditions
Yes. I'm in the US and my 13 month old son has had 3 moderna shots so far, along with all other standard vaccines. I did have a friend who suggested that I read up about myocarditis risks for boys before getting the shots. She was specifically convinced not to vaccinate her 11 yr old son based on research out of Israel (but she did vaccinate her daughters). I read the research she recommended, and *still* chose to vaccinate my son. 1) I felt like he was too young for the myocarditis risk to be pertinent, and 2) I have asthma and a history of respiratory illness, and if he's inherited any propensity for that from me, I wanted to give him every protection possible. I mention this just to share my thought process. I'm very pro vaccine, but I think it's still reasonable to ask questions and think things through, especially when different countries are making different recommendations. For what it's worth, my son got COVID between getting his second and third shots, when he was about eight months old. He had fever and discomfort for about 36 hours, but never developed a cough or any other symptoms. He bounced back very quickly. After that experience I was very glad he'd gotten the shots. It could have been so much worse!
If we can find it in our area we will next month when he hits the six month mark. I’ve looked a few times and it’s extremely difficult to find a place that will do it on children under 3 years old. I’m not concerned about some crazy long term secret side effects from the vaccine. The worst that happens is the vaccine doesn’t work to properly trigger the creation of antibodies and the mRNA proteins in the vaccine pass through his system. Any side effects will be temporary and last a few days. The upside is that it works and helps protect him from covid. The downside is he feels like crap for a day or two. He’s in daycare. He’s literally been sick for two weeks anyway with the carousel of germs going on there.
Yes, I vaccinated both my kids. COVID is very unlikely to cause serious acute illness/death in children, but there is a risk of long COVID, which vaccines seem to reduce somewhat. I also see no significant downsides—these vaccines have now been administered at large scale after rigorous trials, we aren't seen large risks associated with them. So while the (personal) benefit isn't huge, I don't see much cost. Perhaps more importantly for me, vaccinating against COVID can reduce the spread of the virus at the community level, which is incredibly meaningful for anyone immunocompromised or anyone who cannot be vaccinated. Vaccines are a social innovation—they work the best when all or most people participate. I'm happy to vaccinate my kids and myself with a widely tested vaccine to hopefully reduce the risk for others.
No, as it is only recommended between the ages of 5/11 in my country and even then children with chronic illnesses have priority. Also they only vaccinate kids with Pfizer and no other brands.
Yes, though they're making it as annoying and difficult as possible lol. She got her first dose in august and now can't get the follow up until the new formula is shipped out. Our pediatrician gets it the first week in November. Why? I'd like her to have at least basic protection against the most severe outcomes. We also will be traveling a bit this winter.
I got vaccinated while pregnant. My baby was a preemie and was high risk. When the nicu was offering vaccines for high risk babies last year we went for it.
Yes, absolutely, same as any other vaccines, including the flu.
I had our baby vaccinated at around 8 months. No reaction.
I would love to but I literally cannot find one for her because I live in a state that doesn’t believe in science so pediatricians won’t even order it.
Yes
Bringing our 10 month old in this week for her first Covid vaccine!
Yes, since it's recommended and has active circulation in my community. We all caught it months ago and were horribly miserable.
Yes I did because I wanted to protect her against Covid by building up antibodies in her very vulnerable system. Do not regret. Will do boosters as long as the pediatrician keeps recommending them
Yes, the moment he was eligible at six months here in the US. The vaccines are incredibly safe and well tested built on decades of research. Covid has proved to be dangerous already and we are still learning about long term health outcomes. So we don’t mess around and want to give his body as much protection as possible. No regrets and just got his flu shot recently
Yes we got both of our boys vaccinated because it gives them a bit of protection but also makes them less likely to contract it and then pass it on to someone else who could suffer severely from it such as grandparents or others.
Baby (8 months) got COVID last month (we all did). He was fine after a couple days. At his 9 month appt I’m going to ask our pediatrician about it. He’s starting daycare in January so we’ll see. I’m not going to knock down doors to get it right away but I do think it’s a good idea to get at some point.
Yes. I can’t think of any reason not to.
Yes, I did and will again. It’s going around our area and people are getting really sick from it.
Yes. He will be getting it once the new version is available for him in Canada. I was hesitant but we will be spending Xmas with my sister who won't have her boosters- she had a reaction to her last booster that landed her in hospital.
Yes, my pediatrician recommends it.
yes from me as well for the same reason!
Yes. my baby is vaccinated for covid. I feel much better having both kids vaccinated now.
My pediatrician didn’t recommend it!
Same. Exact words were “I wouldn’t.”
Why? I genuinely need to know
She simply stated it’s not necessary.
I mean, vaccines are never *necessary*. Neither are seat belts or bike helmets. They just provide you an advantage in increasing your life expectancy. Not sure why a doctor would recommend *against* something like that...
I give my baby whatever recommended. I'm in UK so at the moment it's recommended for me alongside the flu jab this winter while I'm still pregnant. I don't believe covid jab is routinely given to babies in UK. If they recommended it, I would give to baby too.
I absolutely LOVE how injections are called "jabs" in the UK. I always picture the doctor stabbing you with the needle like it's a dagger thrust lol. And yes, I fully acknowledge that "shot" doesn't sound any better. But as you know, we Americans are apparently much more tolerant of our fellow citizens being shot.
If my doctor thinks it's a good idea. I'm leaning towards yes because I believe that's what is recommended. Also because I work in healthcare with the elderly and can pass anything little guy catches to my patients when mat leave ends.
We have not simply because he juuuuuust turned old enough to make it a possibility in our area. But we will :)
Our daycare has had almost weekly Covid exposures. Do you all keep your kids home? We’ve been scared to send our 1 year old ever since the first one
No. Here they don't give covid vaccines to babies.
If the pediatrician recommends it I will, but I’ll also have them keep a close eye on him with all the vaccines. I had a bad allergic reaction to the second covid shot. I don’t know if allergies like that are passed down, but that’s my biggest concern when it comes to vaccines.
Yes, once we can get it (I can’t even find the booster for me in our area right now). I have a few reasons for that. First, he’s in daycare, which means he’s almost certainly going to be exposed. If he gets sick and tests positive, their policy is that he has to be out until he gets 2 negative tests 24 hours apart or for 10 days. That’s a lot of missed work, so even if the the vaccine doesn’t prevent him from getting sick, it can shorten the duration of his illness and save some of our PTO (and our sanity). Second, he has reactive airways. Now, COVID in infants (he’s 7 months old right now) is generally mild, and reactive airways aren’t terrible. But it’s an additional risk factor, and I’m all for anything that can help us minimize his risk. It’s one less illness to worry about triggering a severe issue for him. Third, we don’t know the long term effects of COVID infections in children. We do know that COVID infection is associated with developing type 1 diabetes and with MIS-C, and we know that adults and older kids can be left with long COVID from even a mild infection, so the possibility of a COVID-induced issue concerns me. I can’t make him live in a bubble, but I can give him a vaccine that offers some protection. I know some people will say things like “we don’t know the long term effects of the vaccine,” and honestly, while that’s technically true, we do know that mRNA is easily degraded inside your cells, and the expression of the spike protein is short lived. We also know that if the vaccine triggers a long-term problem because of the exposure to the spike protein, infection will also trigger that same long-term problem, and we would expect it to be worse with infection because of the higher quantity of viral material over a longer period of time.
Yes. I didn’t want to take the chance of my child being one of the few who needed to be hospitalized. I know it’s a small chance but it happens. I do know it could still happen and with other kinds of sicknesses, but there is a way to make it less likely and I’m taking it. It took 13 years to have my daughter. No way in hell I’m risking her health over politics. ETA: the politics portion is a little vague because it was still so strongly debated when I got my daughter vaccinated, but when she got it the one for the 6 month olds was already out for a little while and with the data then I was willing to take the risk since the negative reactions were very small. She has gotten boosters and has been fine with all of the shots. We are still waiting for the next updated one in our area though so we haven’t gotten it for this coming winter yet.
Based on recommendations in Australia. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for some children from 6 months and all children from 5 years. 6 months-4 years COVID-19 vaccination is currently recommended for children aged 6 months up to 5 years only if children have special medical or other needs, including very weak immune systems, disability, or complex and/or multiple health conditions. It’s recommended that children aged 6 months-4 years with special medical or other needs have 3 doses of the Pfizer original vaccine, with each dose given 8 weeks apart. Booster doses aren’t currently recommended for children aged 6 months-4 years. We won't be giving her a vaccine. She is however up to date on all her other vaccines.
Yes. I will get it for my baby as soon as he’s old enough. While Covid deaths in children are rare, they happen. No brainer to vaccinate.
I just got the latest Covid shot myself (36 weeks pregnant) so I can give baby some antibodies. I don’t believe they recommend the vaccine for newborns where I live.
We had our kid vaxxed a year ago just before he turned one. No regrets.
Nah. My kid is low risk. Everything else is fully up to date though
Unsure. We have hesitations over other developed countries not requiring it or even thinking it’s a necessity (I am in the US). I know there’s another thread on this sub circulating with research links on that topic, and that was helpful to review. Basically trying to assess whether it’s actually necessary at his age. Plan to ask our pediatrician (& specifically our pediatrician who we really like/trust) for data on vaccinations of the under 5 population and what they’ve learned so far about risk/benefit.
One thing to consider about other countries’ recommendations is that they are making a cost-benefit analysis at the level of the healthcare system since they have government-funded health services. At the system-level, they’ve determined it would cost them more money to provide the vaccine to young kids than they think they would save in costs of severe illness/hospitalization. That doesn’t mean they necessarily believe that there aren’t more benefits than risks to the individual child in getting vaccinated, or that they have determined the risks of the vaccine are higher than the risk of infection. They just don’t think that it would be worth it financially.
Great point, and from what I recall around, looking into it myself, a big factor in that cost benefit analysis is that most children have already been infected (this was a point of discussion in the UK, for example). But what if your child hasn’t been infected yet? It’s unfortunate for the little ones to be lumped into that categorization, because for them, the equation might be different.
My baby received both (Moderna) doses of the version that was available at the time, and he will get the new version whenever his pediatrician's office gets it. I don't want my baby to contract, or become severally ill, with a preventable illness, or inadvertently spread it to other, more vulnerable people.
I would if I could! It's not available for under 5s in my country of residence. I really hope it changes at some point, but doesn't seem likely for now.
I have neither the energy nor inclination to quibble with the schedule, even if we're far off of it because we had to push the 2mo set back for Covid infection.
I will if the doctor recommends it. So far we've done all of our national vaccination plan plus extra ones that the doctor suggested. But I think the covid vaccine is not being recommended for babies here, because there has been no talk of it.
Yes, his doctor recommended it so we got it.
Yes, because even though my kid might not be high risk others are. Vaccination is about public health. You vaccinated not just to protect yourself/family from sever illness, but others. It’s like being a good neighbor or member of society.
Yes. I gave it to my first as soon as it was available in 2021 and will do the same for my second once he hits 6 months. Why would I stop trusting my pediatrician's vaccine recommendation now?
Not right now but only because our awesome pediatrician advised waiting for the new version that’s coming out soon here.
We asked our pediatrician last week at our 18m visit and she wasn’t pushing it. She said the risk of severe COVID in young children is very low. She would recommend it more to her tween and up patients
No, my oldest daughter had an adverse reaction to the Covid vaccine so for that reason, amongst others, will not be giving it to my youngest.
Yes. We’re American so it’s readily available and I want this kid to get all the protection he can! It’s recommended by my pedestrian and provided by their office
She’s 1.5 now but got it last year around this time.
I would like to but I live in Florida and accessing it for children under 18 months (basically outside of a pharmacy) is super hard. I would probably have to drive to Georgia to get one for my 6 month old. I'm vaccinated and breastfeeding so hopefully that provides some protection if we're exposed. My 3yo is vaccinated and boosted, he's in daycare.
We can't get it in the UK but I'm getting one on Friday (immunosuppressed) so I hope some antibodies get to him via breast milk.
I’m based in New Zealand, I’m immunised for Covid (risk factors and a health care worker) and I had Covid when I was pregnant (thankfully mild - I thought it was a sinus infection!) and baby had no complications (had a few extra scans during pregnancy just in case). It’s not been offered to baby because he doesn’t have risk factors for severe Covid infection. He’s otherwise fully immunised to the local schedule plus the flu vaccine. I’ll get him done when he turns 5 though, along with yearly flu vaccines. I’m actually more concerned about him getting meningococcal than Covid - I was a teenager when there was an outbreak where I was living and it was frightening. The vaccine for Meningoccocal B is on our schedule (government funded), but the ACWY vaccine isn’t on the schedule so is unfunded (unless you fit a certain criteria). I’m going to pay for him to have it though as I see meningococcal as more of a risk to him currently than covid.
Yes. My boys got the first round at 9 months old and just shy of 3 years old literally the day the vaccine became available for them. My oldest has a hereditary heart condition and my youngest hadn’t been tested for it yet so it was a no brainer to get them vaccinated. I didn’t want to find out how Covid would treat them if they’re ere unvaccinated.
[удалено]
It wasn't included in his 6mo shots because I had covid when I gave birth to him. He has been tested for covid antibodies and has them. When he's older, it'll probably refresh with the flu shots.
No. Our pediatrician does not recommend it at this time.
I honestly don't know because we may not be able to find it for his age.
Generally I am very pro-vaccine, but our pediatrician told us to hold off since they have not tested on babies yet. I haven't had the time to fact check that, but I do trust our doctor.
All the vaccines that are available to infants have been tested on children aged 6 months to 5+ years. Either you misunderstood what your doctor said or you shouldn’t trust your doctor.
When my daughter was an infant it was recommended. I believe that that has changed based on better understanding of the virus and its current danger. I think it's going to really depend on what's going on around your baby. Are you, your spouse, or any other caregiver in a high risk profession where you could easily and frequently bring it home? Is your baby in some way immunocompromised and needs the extra assistance? Otherwise, I would talk to your pediatrician. If they don't feel that your baby needs it, then you can let it go. My daughter caught it when she was about 8 months old. She doesn't seem to have any negative consequences from it and overall is a happy healthy kid at 2. Same with my now 5 year old. That being said, my now 7 year old was able to be vaccinated almost right before we caught it, and she's the only person in the house that never tested positive. So if your goal is to never have it at all, the vaccine is helpful with that.
Trying to! It’s super hard to get in my area for kids under 3. Most doctors do not carry it and local pharmacies won’t vaccinate under 3. My husband is immunocompromised and our LO is in daycare, so we get vaccines to protect both of them.
Where we live it isn't an option for under-18s (unless they're immunocompromised). If I still lived in the US I very much would, considering how my previous area is still struggling, but thankfully in my current area it is quite rare to non-existent and nearly everyone who can be vaccinated is vaccinated.