Be Responsible, Get Vaccinated!
The COVID-19 pandemic is an ongoing global pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Since the beginning of this pandemic, there has been global cooperation for vaccine research and distribution. A vaccine is very important to stop the COVID-19 pandemic. It uses our body’s natural defenses to build resistance to COVID-19 and makes our immune system stronger. However, a vaccine can only help us if we are willing to get it. Many parents are hesitant to let their children get vaccinated because of the thought that it was made rapidly by scientists and that there might be bad effects on humans, especially children. They believe that children and teens have a stronger immune system and that they may not need it. But as we all know, COVID-19 can also be serious in children and teens. Some infected children and teens were hospitalized, and some have even died. They can also develop serious complications, especially for those who have underlying medical conditions.
Vaccination
can protect children and teens from COVID-19 and keep them from getting
seriously sick if they get infected. It also helps them protect their siblings
who are not eligible for vaccination, as well as their vulnerable family
members. Vaccination can slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Children
and teens who are vaccinated can go to school and safely participate in sports
and group activities. The only COVID-19 vaccine that children and teens can get
is from Pfizer-BioNTech. This vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 has the same
active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and adolescents. However, the
Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine that is given to adults and adolescents cannot be used
on children ages 5 to 11 years. The vaccine for children comes in a different
vial with a different color cap to make it clear which vaccine is for children
ages 5 to 11 years and which is for people 12 years and older. The COVID-19
vaccine can be given at the same time as other vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccine
that is available for children and teens has gone through the same approval
process that is required for other vaccines. None of the clinical trials were
cut when it came to safety. Even children and teens with allergies to food,
pets, insects, venom, pollen, dust, latex and oral medications can even get
vaccinated. However, if a child or teen has a history of allergic reactions to
PEG (polyethylene glycol), he or she should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech
vaccine. Anyway, there are possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. The
side effects may include a sore arm, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, nausea,
and fever. These are normal signs that their body is building protection and
should go away in a few days. Some children and teens don’t have any side
effects. If a child or teen has a fever or aches after vaccination, he or she
can take non-aspirin pain relievers like paracetamol and ibuprofen. Reports of
heart inflammation in children and teens as a side effect of COVID-19 vaccines
are rare.
For
me, regardless of the minor side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, children and
teens must get vaccinated. I strongly believe that they need it because children
and teens are likely hard-headed. Even though there are health protocols like
staying at home, no parties or group activities, wearing masks and face
shields, they tend to break these rules. They can be easily annoyed or bored,
so they go out and do whatever they want, like meeting with friends and playing
in groups without thinking of the consequences. Many are still irresponsible in
their actions. In short, they should get vaccinated to have protection and also
to protect others. Anyway, not only children and teens but all of us must get
vaccinated to stop the pandemic.
Reference/s:
https://philippines.licas.news/2022/02/07/philippines-starts-vaccinating-children-against-covid-19/
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/11/25/2143756/philippines-targets-covid-19-vaccination-135m-kids-aged-5-11
https://www.eastwestcenter.org/news-center/east-west-wire/in-china%E2%80%99s-%E2%80%98vaccine-diplomacy%E2%80%99-the-philippines-both-sides-are-taking-big
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