These days, everybody is at risk of contracting COVID-19, and regardless of age, the symptoms can be pretty critical, which means that there is quite a possibility that your child can be exposed to COVID-19 at some point. Although the complications from COVID-19 are infrequent for the kids, some unknown factors can lead to such complications.

The COVID-19 vaccines have undergone the most intensive safety monitoring in the history of the US, and when you vaccinate your children between 5 to 11 years of age, it can save them from contracting COVID-19 and lower the risk of hospitalizations or having any long-term complications. These COVID-19 vaccines have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) for children between ages 5 and 11, and therefore, it is an excellent opportunity for the entire country, to catch up with the goals and take a step towards beating the pandemic.

Should your child between 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated?

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the COVID-19 vaccine for children between ages 5 and 11. This is believed to be a critical landmark, as there was no protection for the children under 12 offered by the vaccine. The pediatricians in Sugar Land are also urging the parents of children between the ages 5 and 11 to take advantage and protect their children, as this will be a big step to ending this pandemic.

It is worth mentioning that children from almost all age groups have been suffering throughout this pandemic, directly and indirectly, including school closures for many who have lost their parent or a loved one. Although we are aware of the fact that COVID-19 leads to illness, this disease is also dangerous for children. The risk for children between the ages 5 and 11 has highly changed because of the Delta Variant, and we have seen various children’s hospitals having overflowing ICUs.

What are the benefits of getting your child between the age of 5 and 11 vaccinated for COVID-19?

• Protection against infection and any related complications

The COVID-19 vaccine can offer protection to children between 5 and 11 ages against infection and complications. This includes a long Covid and hospitalization, and FDA claims that this particular vaccine is more than 90% useful in controlling COVID-19 from kids between the ages 5 and 11.

• Children between 5 and 11 remain safe against vulnerable caregivers

We have seen many children in Sugar Land living in homes with vulnerable caretakers. There is quite a possibility that these caretakers may not respond that well to the vaccination. There is a chance that these people can be moderately or severely immunocompromised. According to the data published in the Journal of American Medical Association, such people are almost 3% of the entire US population.

• 12% of the total US population is between ages 5 and 11

In the United States, there are around 28 million kids who are between the ages of 5 and 11, and they approximately represent around 12% of the entire US population. When more eligible people are able to get vaccinated, we will have fewer COVID-19 cases and deaths that will be experienced.

• Vaccinated kids don’t have to do a traditional quarantine

When the kids between the ages 5 and 11 are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, they are not required to have to do a traditional quarantine even after getting exposed to someone with Covid. Every pediatrician Sugar Land recommends that parents get their children between 5 and 11 to be vaccinated because this is very critical to prevent school absenteeism, as many children are forced to miss school, and some don’t have any learning options available. When we talk about the equity perspective, according to the pediatrics of Sugar Land, vaccination of this age group can elevate the educational disparities exacerbated by the vaccine.

Are there any side effects for kids getting the COVID-19 vaccine for kids between 5 to 11 years?

It is worth noting that COVID-19 is the seventh major cause of death for children between the ages 5 and 11 in the USA, and the rate is even higher for the bigger children. These infections in children are far more dangerous than the flu, which is the reason why you will find every pediatrician in Sugar Land recommending vaccination for eligible kids.

The COVID-19 vaccines are approved and considered safe for the children, but there can be some mild or moderate side effects that your kid might experience, which are pretty similar to the ones experienced by the adults. Although the majority of children don’t have any side effects, some might have short-term side effects, especially after the second dose. These include headaches, muscle pain, chills, and fever, but usually, these symptoms go away within a day or two on their own. It will be best for you to consult your pediatrician about different ways to help your kid feel better.

What should the parents with questions do?

There is no doubt that the usefulness of the COVID-19 vaccine far outweighs the threats, and those parents having any doubts about the potential risks regarding vaccination should reach out to their pediatrician. The pediatricians of Sugar Land are the most trusted sources of vaccine information for the parents.

If you are a parent of a child between 5 to 11 years of age, it is better to avoid looking for any unproven sources of vaccine information and COVID-19. Therefore, it is recommended not to go for unauthorized internet sources as they may contain misleading information, and there are many social media companies that also attempt to crackdown.

What does Pediatrics of Sugarland offer you?

Pediatrics of Sugar Land has a team that is dedicated to the health and well-being of your beloved child right from birth through adolescence. Their primary concern is the health, nutrition, and development of the child as well as the mother, and therefore, families in Sugar Land can visit Pediatrics of Sugar Land for all the medical requirements of their children, including the COVID-19 vaccines. Their services include vaccinations, routine checkups, lab testing, specialist medical treatment, and general medical appointments.

Bottom Line

There is no doubt that Coronavirus is highly contagious and is undoubtedly a concern for those not vaccinated, including children. Every Pediatrician in Sugarland suggests using it as CDC has recommended for children between the ages 5 and 11, while physical distancing and other precautions are also suggested. When you have your child vaccinated as soon as they get eligible can be very helpful in preventing any infections and the spread of COVID-19.