Buffalo, NY (WBEN) The frantic effort to secure COVID 19 vaccine appointments continues to dominate efforts among adult Americans as more and more vaccine becomes available. But as that plays out across the nation, questions are emerging about vaccinating children.
Do the risks outweigh the rewards of the newest Moderna vaccine trial of young children? Two area physicians say no, as the effort continues to get as many people vaccinated as soon as possible.
Dr. Steven Lana says right now, any risk is theoretical because this hasn't been done before. "If we extrapolate the experience with teenagers and young adults and we look at the science behind the vaccine, I think it's reasonable to come to the conclusion risks are low and far outweighed by the potential benefits," says Lana.
Dr. John Sellick of Kaleida Health agrees. "I think the mechanism that's used for this maximizes the safety and will allow us to see if there's anything unanticipated in the younger population compared to adults and older kids," says Sellick.
Will it be a tough sell to get parents to sign on? "I think the problem will be those resistant to getting it themselves," says Sellick. "Historically, we've seen that's a much tougher group. If we can't get them to do it, having their kids do it is a bigger problem." Lana agrees. "It is a harder sell because we're not talking about a disease that primarily affects infants and children so far. What happens in the future? Will it mutate? We can only hope it doesn't."
Sellick says the last thing anyone wants is to have a child get sick and spread the virus to an adult, who could fare worse as a result.
