Local Health Official Endorse Child Coronavirus Vaccinations

By Justin Muszynski, The Bristol Press

November 8, 2021

Getting children vaccinated is the quickest way to allow them to more safely get back to the life they once knew, a local pediatrician says.

The Pfizer covid-19 vaccine was approved this week for use in children ages 5 to 11. The shot, which is about one-third of the dosage for the adult vaccine, has been shown to be about 90% effective in preventing covid-19.

“I think that it’s exciting and quite important,” said Dr. Alison Sturm, of the Bristol Health Pediatric Group. “I do think that it seems safe.”

With the holidays and potential family gatherings around the corner, Sturm said the timing of the approval is critical.

“That’s a plus at this time of year,” she said.

During trials of the Pfizer vaccine in 5- to 11-year-olds, 3,100 children were administered the shot. No cases of a severe reaction were reported.

Sturm said the vaccine approval will allow this age group to more safely be in school, socialize with friends and participate in activities like sports. Being vaccinated should help with school disruptions and cut down on the need for kids to quarantine when exposures arise.

Although children in this group don’t typically see severe cases of covid-19, it’s not impossible.

“That’s not always the case,” Sturm said of mild symptoms, adding intensive care unit visits and deaths have been reported among children between 5 and 11.

There’s also the risk children see long-term effects from the virus, such as heart conditions.

Additionally, the latest approval could help contain the spread of the virus. More recently, it has been reported that children make up about 25% of all new covid-19 cases.

“Clearly the disease is spreading among this age group,” Sturm said, adding stopping the spread helps reduce the risk for additional variants that could be more infectious and deadlier.

For parents who may be hesitant to get their child vaccinated, Sturm said she has faith in the research and data.

“I have pretty good trust in the process that is happening,” she said. “I have respect for the process.”

Bristol Health will be hosting a vaccine clinic for this age group on Thursday, from 4-7 p.m., at Bristol Hospital. Limited spots are available. Registration can be completed by emailing commandcenter@bristolhospital.org.

ESPN will also host a vaccine clinic next Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for children in the most recently approved age group.

Justin Muszynski can be reached at 860-973-1809 or jmuszynski@bristolpress.com.