DENVER — Now that Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is approved that means parents have to decide whether to get their child vaccinated or not. And many remain hesitant.
A vaccine monitoring survey by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) shows that many parents want to wait rather than get their child vaccinated immediately.
Many are also concerned about the long-term effects of the vaccine.
>> 9NEWS asked medical officials to answer questions from viewers in a town hall on Wednesday concerning vaccines in children 5 -11, watch it here
“RNA stays in your system for a short period of time. And it produces proteins that then stimulate the immune response," Pediatric and Infectious Disease, Children’s Hospital Colorado Dr. Eric Simoes said. "So, this RNA doesn't stay in your system for a long time.”
>> For more about the survey head to KFF's website
When it comes to side effects, most side effects occur within the first six weeks of the vaccine being given and are not long-term, Dr. Simoes said. But side effects are still a concern to many.
"The main side effect that one should watch for which we know happens in older children 12-15 is the risk of myocarditis. There is no question that it occurs, it's much higher than the background rate in children,” Dr. Simoes said.
Another concern is how the vaccine may negatively impact a child's fertility in the future.
“I don't know where this fact has come from. But there is absolutely no evidence that RNA given into a cell in your muscle is going to have any effect on your reproductive system,” Dr. Simoes said.
Dr. Simoes encourages families to do their research, ask questions, and make an informed decision to keep their families and children safe.
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