You Inquired, Our Specialists Responded: Summer COVID Safety for Families and Children

With summer approaching, the outlook on life during the pandemic is improving. As of May 11th, nearly 45% of U.S. adults aged 18 and older are fully vaccinated, and over half have received at least one dose. Excitingly, the FDA has also approved the Pfizer COVID vaccine for those aged 12 and older. This raises important questions for families with vaccinated adults, teens above 16, and younger children who are unvaccinated.

As parents, we have many queries. Summer can be both a delight and a challenge. While we’re relieved to leave online schooling behind, what activities can we plan for our children? Will this summer mirror the restrictions of 2020?

In a recent “Live. Work. Thrive.” event, we consulted with a panel of experts, including Dr. Samuel Greenberg, a top infectious disease specialist, and Dr. Lisa Hargrove from the CDC, to discuss the latest on family COVID safety.

Is the COVID vaccine safe for children?

“It’s crucial for parents to stay informed and rely on scientific evidence as we navigate this situation,” noted Dr. Greenberg during our panel discussion. “I understand many parents are concerned about the implications for their kids.”

COVID vaccine side effects in kids

Dr. Emily Johnson, a pediatrician at City Children’s Hospital, explained that data from clinical trials indicates the Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective for children aged 12 to 15. “The trials showed no major safety issues,” she said. “Some side effects were noted, similar to those experienced by adults.” This means children might experience a sore arm after their first shot and possibly feel fatigued or achy after their second.

Should we premedicate our kids before vaccination?

Doctors advise against premedication for any vaccines, including the COVID vaccine. “Some studies suggest that premedication might reduce the immune response,” Dr. Johnson explained. If your child experiences mild side effects, it’s best to let them be. However, if side effects are severe enough to hinder daily life, you can consider over-the-counter medication. Consult your child’s pediatrician for personalized advice.

When can we get the COVID vaccine for our kids?

With the CDC recommending vaccination for kids aged 12 and up, parents want to know when they can get their shots. Dr. Greenberg mentioned that teens should be vaccinated this summer before the fall school term. Research is ongoing for younger children, with results expected by the end of 2021.

COVID vaccine should be given alone

The CDC recommends administering the COVID vaccine alone, without other vaccines at least 14 days before or after, due to a lack of safety data on simultaneous administration.

Get your kids up to date on their other vaccines

Dr. Hargrove emphasized the importance of catching up on routine vaccinations, as many children fell behind during the pandemic. “We are over 11 million vaccines behind,” she noted, urging parents to prioritize COVID and routine vaccinations.

What activities are safe for unvaccinated children?

Here’s a brief FAQ for parents regarding activities for unvaccinated kids:

Can unvaccinated kids have playdates with other unvaccinated kids if adults are vaccinated? Yes, but it’s safer to meet outdoors, maintain distance, and wear masks.
Can we send unvaccinated kids to sleepaway camp? Yes, as long as you follow CDC guidelines and feel comfortable with the situation.
Is swimming in public pools safe? Outdoor pools are safer than indoor ones. Ensure that there are mask policies and social distancing measures in place.
What about theme parks? It depends on the venue’s outdoor space and crowd control.
Are concerts and theaters safe? Outdoors is safer, but avoid large crowds, especially for unvaccinated children.
How safe is airplane travel? Airports pose a bigger risk than airplanes. Masks are essential, and consider double-masking your kids.

For further information on safe activities for unvaccinated children, take a look at our full video.

As details about COVID-19 continue to evolve, it’s vital to stay updated through reliable sources such as your local health departments, the CDC, and the World Health Organization.

This article was originally published on May 12, 2021.

To learn more about home insemination, check out this informative article. You can also visit Make A Mom for expert advice on at-home insemination kits, and Medline Plus for comprehensive health information.

Search queries that may interest you include:

Summary: As summer approaches, families face important considerations regarding COVID safety for children, especially regarding vaccination. Experts emphasize the importance of staying informed about vaccine safety, side effects, and current guidelines for activities. Parents are encouraged to prioritize both COVID and routine vaccinations to ensure their children’s health.