Getting the Covid-19 Vaccine: The Ins and Outs
Should you get your teenage child 16 and over vaccinated if they have disabilities and other health issues?
First, I would personally like to report that I have gotten my first vaccine shot here in New York City with very few side effects, except for a sore shoulder that lasted just a few days. Hopefully, I will be able to get the second one in three weeks. It was no worse than getting a flu shot. Here are several tips to consider if you’re trying to get your child, family member or friend vaccinated:
1.) Don't be afraid - It is a daunting task. Many parents and young people have reservations about getting the vaccine, whichever version, whenever it is available in your area. After speaking to several pediatricians, adolescent medicine specialists and internists, including a colleague, who is a pediatrician and professor at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. She has been in practice at the hospital for decades, including working closely with children and adolescents on the Autism Spectrum and ones with other disorders. This highly respected doctor, along with others, concur that there should be no higher risk of side effects among adolescents 16 and over with disabilities than those in the general population of young people. Of course you have to always consult with your own doctor(s) and consider your child's medical conditions and history before getting them vaccinated.
2.) Do the benefits outweigh the risks? - I believe so and here’s the reason. There has been a huge outbreak of Covid-19 among students in special education schools and facilities. Many young people in this group have difficulty with hygiene, maintaining social distance, wearing a mask and self-regulation. Personally, I don't know how I would have gotten my own son to be compliant when he was a teenager. Think of how hard it has been for well-informed adults to follow all of the safety guidelines, even with the best of intentions. I certainly would have had him vaccinated if possible, just as I had him get the other childhood vaccinations.
We want our young people to be able to go back to in-person learning, interact with others and not be afraid as soon as possible. While there is no guarantee that the vaccine is going to absolutely prevent us from getting Covid-19, it certainly will help, especially as more of the population is vaccinated. Many young people with disabilities have other conditions such as asthma, weakened immune systems and other health impairments that make them more vulnerable to contracting the virus, and suffering more serious symptoms and side effects. Some of our young adult children live in group homes where they are likely to come into contact with staff every day. In the special education schools that are open full-time, there is exposure to teachers, other staff, bus drivers and other students.
3.) Please help me help my child overcome the fear of getting the vaccine - There is so much information, some of it very confusing and frightening, that adolescents and young adults get through social media, online newsfeeds and TV that they may be worried safety when getting the vaccine. They may misconstrue the information, even if it is correct. Others may be terrified of needles or vaccines in general. How do you deal with their anxiety and reassure them that it is OK and for their benefit? This may be a collaborative effort between you, your other family members, your health-care providers, support staff and your school or program. If you are able to get vaccinated, or another family member has, you can use this as an example to illustrate that it is low risk. Media figures who are promoting the vaccine, such as your child's heroes or role models, may show that it is great to protect themselves and others. Make sure your child fully understands the benefits of getting vaccinated for themselves, your family and the community.
All of this will take time, as the vaccine is not easily accessible to everyone, but when and where it is available, please consider getting it for yourself and your child. Please take a look at the resources we have provided to help you make up your own mind and hope these tips have been useful.
—Carol K. Kennedy, Ph.D.