COVID-19. SARS-CoV2 virus. MIS-C.
In the early part of the pandemic, we watched as a new virus swept through the world. We did not know how to stop it or how to help people that were stricken with this new virus. In December 2020, we received a new way to protect ourselves and our loved ones: vaccines.
Should I vaccinate my kids? That is a frequent question I hear in my office. My answer is an emphatic yes! I am joined in this by your Big Island Doc physicians, pediatricians, pediatric infectious disease specialists, and family medicine physicians.
Currently, vaccines are emergency-approved for people 12 years and older. And on Friday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave emergency authorization for the Pfizer vaccine to be given to children ages 5-11
We know vaccinations are not perfect. You can still catch SARS-CoV2/COVID-19, but the risk of hospitalization and death are significantly lowered. We can decrease the spread to our family and friends and to those of us who are medically vulnerable or unable to get vaccinated.
Is the vaccine safe? Yes. People are worried at the speed that the vaccine was developed. While this coronavirus is new in humans, we have studied similar coronaviruses for years.
Governments and individuals invested time and money in a global effort that is quite unprecedented. The vaccine has gone through all the normal tests and evaluations, and the Pfizer vaccine is currently fully FDA approved for people 16 and older. It has been shown to be remarkably safe with mild side effects mild that resolve quickly.
With the recent surge in Hawaii, more of our children were affected. We have had 605 children in the United States die from the virus (as of Oct. 13 from CDC data). Thousands more have been hospitalized. Children and adolescents with obesity, diabetes, asthma, chronic lung disease, and immunosuppression are at higher risk of severe illness.
Children can develop something called MIS-C two to six weeks after getting infected with SARS-CoV2/COVID-19. Although rare, MIS-C can have devastating effects on the brain, heart and lungs. The good news is we recently reached a significant milestone in Hawaii: 70% of our population have completed their vaccine doses!
When I talk to my patients, they tell me that their children truly missed school. There are important social interactions that provide emotional support for our children. They like interacting with their teachers in person. They feel that they learn better. And let’s face it, most parents are not teachers and often struggled with helping children with their schoolwork.
I am beyond excited that my younger patients will soon be afforded the chance to be vaccinated against SARS-CoV2/COVID-19. Sometimes we do not realize what our children hear and see, but I have some 5- and 6-year-olds ready to get their shot and do their part to protect our island home.
A big mahalo to Hawaii’s parents, teenagers and children as you make these important decisions for your loved ones, Hawaii, and the world!
If you have further questions, please contact your child’s medical provider, the Hawaii State Department of Health or log into the CDC website (CDC.gov), or (Hawaiicovid19.com). Vaccinations are available in retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, and special school programs.
Darrett W.Y. Choy is a pediatrician who is a member of Big Island Docs.
Community First serves as a neutral forum for the community to come together and as a catalyst for solutions to improve health and lower medical costs on Hawaii Island.