Learn how to best protect your family from COVID-19.
As a partner in your health, we care deeply about you and your family. We want everyone to be healthy and safe this winter. The CDC recommends everyone ages 5 and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against COVID-19. This includes a smaller dose created specifically for children 5-11. We strongly recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for all children and adolescents in your household.
The CDC has also authorized the use of a single booster dose in children 5 years and older at least five months after completing their primary vaccination series. Chilcren 5 years old and older may only get a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine booster. The CDC states that everyone 12 years and older should get a booster shot.
We understand that this may be an uncertain time for many families concerning COVID-19 and vaccines. Many parents/caregivers do have questions on the vaccine. Below you’ll find answers to some of the big questions that may be on your mind. If you have additional questions, we encourage you to visit with your pediatrician or nurse.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine and continuing to wear a mask remain the best way to protect ourselves and loved ones from COVID-19. For additional information check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Vaccines are safe and the most effective way to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 and to minimize the illness if it is contracted. Reports of side effects have been minimal. They may include pain and redness at the injection site, or other symptoms such as tiredness, headache and chills. Additional information on side effects can be found on the CDC website.
Cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in adolescents and young adults have been reported but are rare. For the rare cases of documented myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccine, most recover fully. The potential benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh the known and potential risks, including the possible risk of myocarditis or pericarditis. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/adolescents.html)
Currently no evidence shows that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems (problems trying to get pregnant) in women or men. (Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/planning-for-pregnancy.html)
We recommend those ages 2 and older wear a cloth face cover when around others. This is in line with CDC recommendations. The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected even if you do not feel sick.
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.Visit CDC.gov for the latest guidance.