We Can Do This – Let’s Educate Ourselves: A Message to St. Louis Parents

No one could have predicted what our lives would look like two years after the world shut down in March 2020. Our initial hope was that life would return to normal by summer. And then maybe by fall. And then we found ourselves lost in the what-ifs of schooling, mandatory masking, modified lockdowns, ever-changing travel restrictions, and the list goes on. Collectively, we are exhausted and grieving all we have lost. More than 825,000 American lives lost. Failed businesses, economic loss, funerals, weddings, canceled celebrations and travel, and the list goes on. All due to COVID-19.

While I know many who have lost more to the COVID pandemic than I have, I won’t discount my own losses over the past two years— financial loss, a four-year delay for my husband to finally see his family again overseas, and more. We committed to love our neighbor the best we could all along, and for us, that means getting vaccinated and boosted. I know every story is different, but I’ve had COVID in my home twice in the past six weeks, and both times, I remained uninfected. I’m not invincible, but I’m protected, and that assures me I’m doing my part to stop the spread. 

As much as anyone, I understand the complexities that go into deciding on medical care for your child— these decisions are highly personal and depend on different factors for each family.  We are privileged to partner with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to share facts about the COVID vaccines so that you can make the best choice for your family. And ultimately, it is YOUR CHOICE.

Just The Facts: COVID and Vaccines

The vaccines work: While there is no way to know how COVID will affect your child, COVID vaccines help prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID. Vaccines can help protect your child from getting COVID and keep your child from getting seriously sick even if they do get it.  

Safety is a top priority: Millions of people have safely received COVID vaccines under the most rigorous safety protocols in U.S. history. COVID vaccines are the most closely monitored vaccines in U.S. history and are monitored just as closely in children.

Ready for some good news?

Everyone in the United States ages 5 and older is now eligible to get vaccinated. Children ages 5 and older can now get the same safe, effective protection from COVID that hundreds of millions of American adults have already received. 

COVID vaccines are safe. Those 5-11 receive smaller doses, specially tailored for younger children.

Will my child experience side effects? 

In clinical trials, children had the same kinds of temporary side effects from COVID vaccines that adults have. 

Why vaccinate? Why not let natural immunity run its course? 

Since August, 1 in 5 new COVID cases have been in kids, including my three children. I’ve never seen my children so exhausted or lethargic in their lives, and we’ve seen all the typical childhood illnesses. I’m no longer willing to take this risk when I know vaccines and boosters are the best protection from COVID and make it safer for my family.

As always, we encourage you to speak directly with your physician to make the best decision for YOUR family.

Ultimately, COVID vaccines provide an opportunity to return to a more normal lifestyle. Don’t we all long for that? 

We can do this. Let’s do it for each other. 

For more information or to find vaccines near you, visit vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX), or call 1-800-232-0233.