COVID-19 Update: Friday, June 11th

A quick update on Vaccinating children and an appeal to the FDA

I just want to share some updates regarding vaccinating 12-17-year-olds as I know many of you are wrestling with that decision. Here are a few factors to consider:

1. Right now there is a healthy debate happening within the FDA regarding the vaccines among 0-11-year-olds in particular (these vaccines are currently being tested). The debate is very encouraging because they truly are discussing some very difficult information. Essentially the question is is it necessary? Does the benefit outweigh the risk in this population? Their risk of severe outcomes is very small, so is any potential risk from the vaccine worth it? The discussion has been intense and real so stay tuned for more here.

2. Among those 12-17, they have noticed a trend in a small number of children, particularly boys, experiencing myocarditis within 4 days of vaccination. This has not been a huge number of boys, but enough that it has gotten attention and is being looked at very carefully. As a result, some pediatricians are now suggesting children who have few risk factors not be vaccinated yet. None of these current cases have been fatal, but the long-term impact has not been determined. This is being studied but right now we just don't have a lot of answers.

3. Some people are suggesting the vaccine dosing in children is too high and/or may not require two doses. The vaccine has a 100% effectiveness rate in children 12-17. This high of a rating can be an indicator that dosing is too high. Can be. So again, this is something that is being looked at now. Children tend to have a strong response to the second dose (perhaps more so than adults) which is another reason this is being looked at.

4. The FDA is considering granting full approval to some of the COVID vaccines which is being met with some resistance from scientists and practitioners. The opposition is because the clinical trials call for a 2-year follow-up with the study participants for a host of reasons among which is a full safety review. Scientists and practitioners want the FDA to await that full review. The FDA believes giving full approval earlier will build confidence in the vaccine among those who are vaccine-hesitant due to the EUA status. No decision has been made.

5. Numbers in the US are looking great - really. We seem to be on our way out of this. Hopefully, things will continue on that trajectory although there have been some super-spreader events and cruise ship situations so let's not exhale quite yet.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Life is getting better. We are venturing out more and living a life we haven't known in a while. My family actually went and ate in a restaurant last night - something we haven't done in 18 months. We are going to stores without our masks and enjoying some outdoor summer activities. My life is no longer consumed with COVID news, numbers, people, and research. In fact, my day-to-day has now expanded back out to include other public health issues -something that felt like it would never happen. But it isn't over. We aren't quite in the clear. Each time I think this blog may have seen its last post - something comes up that I feel needs to be shared, so here we are. We have loosened our grip but don't let go quite yet. Be mindful of the lingering threat even as you adjust back to normal. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and that you aren't melting somewhere. (isn't it wonderful to have reached a place where the weather is once again something we are complaining about!).