This is a fundamentally important question, because the benefits of maternal immunity have worn thin. Babies and toddlers are also still developing their own immunity. Therefore, what happens in their formative years can influence their future path. With Omicron all around us we therefore have to ask. Do babies and toddlers need COVID vaccine?
Yes, Babies and Toddlers Do Need COVID Vaccine
“People are working overtime, to get the public availability of these nearly miraculous vaccines.” That’s according to Arnold Monto, acting chair of FDA vaccine advisory committee as relayed by Vox. “I wish everybody realized how well they work to prevent severe disease.” Here are the four reasons we agree babies and toddlers need COVID vaccines:
Infected Children May Not Recover Fully
Over 30,000 children under 4 years of age went to hospital with COVID in United States. This makes COVID more serious than influenza for the age group. An estimated 443 died from the disease. Evidence is emerging of Long-COVID energy loss and repeat infections.
mRNA Vaccines Are Effective for the Age Group
Pfizer and BioNTech report 80.3% effectiveness in preventing disease among kids under 5 years old. Their doses are 10% the size of adults ones and space out over 3 injections. Moderna may be less effective, but no known vaccinated kids had severe COVID infections or died according to VoX magazine.
Authorities Are Continuing the Cautious Approach
Pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals are not rushing out and ordering large batches of fresh vaccine. They understand the process is different and they need time to train and prepare. There is no evidence COVID vaccines conflict with other immune programs.
Vaccinating Small Children Will Lower Transmission Rates
Every child or adult vaccinated reduces the pool of infected people. If other parents vaccinate their children, your own kids are safer. Dealing with this pandemic is a group project. Please think about this one carefully before you say no.
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Preview Image: A Toddler Story Time
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