Navigating information around vaccines as a parent

As we continue to grapple with and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines have been a key component in the battle to suppress the virus. They have also been a subject of controversy, and difficult conversations around medical safety, civic responsibility, and freedom of choice, much akin to conversations around mask mandates. This controversy is expected to intensify with the likely imminent release of approved vaccines for children aged 5-11. Parents have expressed concerns around safety, the stress of the unknown, and the feeling of lack of choice and education. Worries about vaccines predate the COVID-19 vaccine, and have been a topic of conversation for decades. A big concern of today is not just transmission of COVID, which a study has shown may be more spreadable by younger children, but the complications even for children and teenagers that can come with long-form COVID.  

In summary, it is a fraught topic that can cause considerable stress, and the Internet can be a challenging place to find reliable information for those who are coping with stress and worry for their children. We wanted to share some educational resources from both local and national sources to help provide extra information around vaccines. This information is not presented as a substitute for medical advice, which should be provided by a trusted medical professional.

• Boston Children’s Hospital offers many talks and resources regarding vaccine safety for children. This most recent video conversation provides good updated information by medical experts. They also offer this up-to-date page on vaccines for teens and kids.
• This helpful article from UpToDate discusses vaccines, including how they work, common side effects, potential reasons to avoid a particular vaccine, and common concerns about vaccines, with specific links geared towards parents of children of different age groups.
• This article offers seven tips on helping a child overcome a fear of shots.
• MIT offers this article on the efficacy of vaccines for children in fighting COVID-19.
• For parents interested in sharing information with their children to help educate them on the process, this site links child-friendly games and readings to help them understand how vaccines work.
• The CDC has a helpful resource page full of digestible information regarding vaccine safety and education.

Our largest piece of advice outside of this information is to consult your doctor or other trusted medical professionals. It’s also helpful to talk with your friends and loved ones who have chosen to take the vaccine or had their children do so.

Take good care, stay healthy, and have a safe month.