Emma Dietz (G8)

Published Issue 3 2021-2022

National News

Introduction

On November 19th the ruling was made, children ages 5-11 are now officially eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. November 23rd marks the day when a group of ten children ages 5-11 got their first dose of Pfizer-BioNTech in Canada, post testing stage.

Risks

Although the risks of taking the vaccine are higher for these children, the testing period did approve them. Children in this age range are much more likely to get serious symptoms of COVID-19 from the vaccine’s second shot as the vaccine itself is a weakened version of the virus itself. Some symptoms of the second vaccine include fever, chills and any cold and flu symptoms.

Backlash

Upon hearing the news many people have asked the media the question on everyone’s mind. “If children don't frequently experience severe illness with COVID-19, why do they need a COVID-19 vaccine?”. The answer to this is just as simple. Children are more likely to unknowingly pass the virus if unvaccinated, especially when not feeling ill and staying home or quickly taking a COVID-19text.

Moderna

Currently the Moderna vaccine is under evaluation for 12-17 year olds, despite the fact that 12 teenagers were accidentally vaccinated with Moderna instead of Pfizer back in May. The effects of this were extremely minimal which led towards a slightly sped up process. Research is progressing through the stages slowly, but the trials have slowed and have also been buried by the mere progress of the Pfizer vaccine.

Process

The entire process for children getting vaccinated is moving extremely quickly, having reached BC in less then a week, children in that age range have been vaccinated merely days after the ruling came to order. Allowing children to get vaccinated will help the population reach a 90% vaccination which allows for herd immunity.