KEEPING OUR KIDS SAFE WITH VACCINATION
to understand that COVID-19 is a serious
childhood illness. It can result in
hospitalizations, ICU admissions, longterm
health issues and, in rare cases,
death. No children have died from the
vaccine.
Understandably, many parents and
caregivers want to make sure it’s safe
— even those who are fully vaccinated
themselves. According to a new survey,
about a third of parents of children ages
5 to 11 say they want to wait and see how
the vaccine is working for others before
getting their child vaccinated. But our
leading pediatricians are strongly recommending
vaccination right now,
precisely because it helps keep our kids
safe.
Some are concerned after hearing
about a risk of myocarditis, or mild
heart inflammation. This is of course
something we take seriously. What we
know is that myocarditis is actually
more likely to occur as a result of COVID
19, not vaccination. It also likely
helps that the dose used in 5- to 11-yearolds
is a third of the dose used for those
But benefits of vaccination go beyond
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TIMESLEDGER | QNS.COM | DEC. 24 - DEC. 30, 2021 13
OP-ED
BY DR. DAVE A. CHOKSHI
As a father of a young child and
the city’s doctor, it has been especially
meaningful for me to see so many brave
children roll up their sleeves to get vaccinated
against COVID-19. I have had
the privilege of being present when
some have gotten their first dose. I remember
one young person had tragically
lost their mother to the COVID-19
pandemic. The family felt relief and joy
after waiting so long for the comfort of
knowing the child was protected.
Since the COVID-19 vaccine was authorized,
over 140,000 children ages 5-11
have received at least one dose in New
York City. We are proud of this progress,
but still too many of our youngest
New Yorkers remain unvaccinated.
Right now, it’s more urgent than ever,
because infection rates are highest
among school-aged children. Since the
start of the pandemic, school-aged children
have accounted for approximately
7% of all cases. In the last 30 days, 14%
of all cases have been among this age
group.
It is critical for parents and caregivers
12 and up.
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just protection from COVID-19. Although,
thankfully, the youngest New
Yorkers have largely avoided COVID’s
worst outcomes, they have all shared
in our collective trauma, and far too
many have experienced loss. With vaccination,
children can return to normal
life again. They can catch up on
hugs, play dates, sleepovers, sports and
school activities. They can more safely
gather with friends and family over the
holidays.
Another reason to get the shot now is
that starting this week, children 5 and
up will need to show proof of at least one
vaccination dose for indoor dining, fitness
and entertainment activities and
many after school activities as well like
sports, band and choir.
I urge everyone to get your child
vaccinated as soon as possible. You can
go to the city’s vaccine finder to find locations
in all five boroughs, including
city sites, pharmacies and clinics. The
Health Department is working with
over 1,500 pediatricians to distribute
the vaccine.
The instinct parents and caregivers
have to protect children is a good one —
our first priority is always to keep our
children safe. I want to be clear: To not
have your child vaccinated is taking a
serious risk. The vaccine will keep your
child and our communities safe.
Dr. Dave Chokshi is New York City’s
health commissioner.
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