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There’s a big push for everyone to get the COVID vaccine so that communities can open back up. But the covid vaccine for kids under 12 has not yet been approved. So for parents, the idea of opening up, removing mask mandates, and loosening social distancing guidelines comes with a risk to their little one.
After all, you may not feel comfortable to have your unvaccinated child in public places where you can’t control things. You don’t know if people around you are actually vaccinated and exposure grows with fewer people (not all vaccinated) wearing masks.
Mom of three Amber Faust has gotten her older daughter vaccinated and is so happy to see her have some of her social life back. She can’t wait for her five and six year old to get the vaccine. “My younger children have missed out on so much. I reluctantly homeschooled them last year because I knew they wouldn’t do well with virtual school,” she told Mom.com. She is adamant that she’ll feel better when they are all vaccinated.
Here’s what you need to keep your kids safe if they're under 12 and not eligible for the vaccine.
If your child doesn't have the COVID vaccine: Precautions to take at school
While your child is still unable to get the vaccine, it’s important that they keep doing what keeps them safe. This includes social distancing, frequent hand washing, and mask wearing. This will be the case when they return to school.
According to the CDC, those return to school vaccinated don’t need to continue to wear masks. This leaves younger students with no option but to be masked up if they want to return to school in the fall.
However, with the rapid rise of the Delta variant, some cities — like Los Angeles — are starting to once again mandate mask wearing in pubic spaces. Stay informed and check your local and state guidances frequently.
Staying safe while traveling: Unvaccinated kids
Airplanes still have the mask mandate and require all flying to wear them. This will be true whether you are vaccinated or not. Traveling introduces new risks to your unvaccinated child since you are no longer in your common circle of friends, coworkers, classmates, and community members. You can’t control who you encounter at the airport or in the new cities where you go.
This increased risk poses a dilemma for many parents: should they travel when they are vaccinated but their youngest are not? Here’s what to consider when making that decision:
- Are you traveling to a COVID hot spot? If so, you may not want to expose your child to that risk.
- Airplanes are ventilated: Proper ventilation on airplanes helps reduce the risk of exposure.
- Does your child have any underlying health conditions? If so, this can increase getting more seriously ill with COVID.
- What plans do you have at the final destination? Outdoor hikes are great, but you may want to limit crowded indoor activities.
As parents, it is your decision to travel with kids during the pandemic. Certainly, being able to visit with family that you haven’t seen in more than a year is a big motivation. If possible, do a road trip rather than fly to further increase your ability to keep everyone in the family safe.
Is the COVID vaccine safe for kids?
While the COVID vaccine is deemed safe for kids 12 and older, it hasn’t yet been approved for those under the age. This means that while a majority of the population can get vaccinated, we’re leaving our youngest at risk. Many will point out that young children generally haven’t gotten really ill with COVID and thus the risk is worth taking.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, emergency authorization for Covid-19 vaccines for children under 12 could come in early to midwinter. And experts say the sooner the better, especially with the rapid spread of the Delta variant. "Given that children are one of the groups that is unvaccinated, we will see more cases in children," Dr. Richard Besser, a pediatrician and former acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, told NBC News.
And for those wondering about whether or not the vaccine is safe for their kids, Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy stresses that the benefits far outweigh the risk. “Contrary to what people think, not getting the vaccine is riskier and scarier than the unknown long-term side effects,” he told Mom.com.
When it becomes available and you are considering vaccinating your child, here are COVID vaccine precautions to keep in mind:
- Talk to your pediatrician about their recommendations
- Get your child assessed for underlying risks such as anaphylaxis
- Have your child observed for a few minutes after the vaccine to watch for serious side effects
- Prepare for the normal side effects that are common among older children and adults who get the vaccine
