Physicians and Their Families Find Hope in COVID Vaccine
At Summa Health, our physicians know how important it is to keep our community healthy and often times that starts right at home. During one of Summa Health’s vaccination clinics, our physicians brought their eligible-age children to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Here are some of the reasons our physicians and their children are encouraging others to get vaccinated.
Kids and the COVID-19 Vaccine Live Streaming Event
On May 20, Summa Health held a live streaming event to answer questions parents have about the virus and the vaccine. Dr. Thomas File, Chair, Summa Health Infectious Diseases, Dr. Shanu Agarwal, Chair, Summa Health Infection Control and Dr. Eric Robinette, Akron Children’s Hospital, Pediatric Infectious Disease Physician participated in the event and provided expert answers about the FDA approval of the vaccine for kids ages 12-15.
To schedule an appointment for your child at a Summa Health vaccination clinic, call 234.867.7110 or click here for more information. To schedule an appointment with Akron Children’s Hospital, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe for my child to receive the vaccine?
Yes. Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Like adults, children may have some side effects after COVID-19 vaccination that should go away in a few days.
Why should my child get vaccinated?
Unless they have risk factors, younger persons may not become as sick as others, but are a significant source of transmission in the community, especially children age 12 and older.
How effective is the vaccine for kids ages 12 – 15?
The Pfizer trial for ages 12 – 15 showed 100% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. In the trial, 18 cases of COVID-19 were observed in the placebo group versus none in the vaccinated group.
What is the dosage given for this age group?
The vaccine is the same dosage given to adults, with a two dose process, three weeks apart.
What are the side effects for kids?
Side effects appear to be the same for children in this age group as those 16 and older. The most common are discomfort at injection site, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches as well as occasional fever.
If my child already had COVID, do they still need the vaccine?
Yes. You should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. Studies suggest the vaccine provides a higher degree of immunity than natural infections; this is likely to result in better protection against reinfection and longer duration of benefit. They should wait to receive the vaccine until they have resolved their clinical disease and are out of the isolation period. In addition, if a child who is eligible for the vaccine has had a rare condition of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (MIS-C), the CDC recommends to wait to receive the vaccine until 3 months after prior infection. Studies have not yet shown how long antibodies from previous infection last or how effective previous infection antibodies are in preventing spread or illness associated with virus variants.