Pedram Salimpour Dispels COVID Myths for Kids
COVID-19 is still a significant concern, with new variants emerging and questions lingering. This is especially true when it comes to children and protecting them from the potentially devastating effects of this virus. Dr. Pedram Salimpour addresses the myths that surround COVID-19 and kids.
Natural COVID Immunity vs. Vaccine
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of children getting infected with COVID mirrors that of adults. In addition to them missing school, social activities, and other opportunities during the duration of the illness, children could also be at risk of lasting COVID-19 conditions, multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), hospitalization, and even death.
The CDC says the vaccine is more than 90% effective in preventing COVID in kids from 5 to 11 years old. In addition to protecting kids themselves, the vaccine also helps protect other people: Vaccinated people are less likely to host the virus and spread it to others.
“Even though children might have some side effects after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, they are similar to those that might occur from other routine vaccinations,” stated Dr. Pejman Salimpour. Dr. Pejman Salimpour is acquainted with public health not only as a physician, but also as a professor, business executive, and owner of medical facilities throughout the Los Angeles area. These signs are a normal functioning of kids’ bodies as they build up protection against the virus. Of course, as with any vaccine, serious side effects, like inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis and pericarditis) and an allergic reaction are possible but rare events.
COVID Vaccine Safety for Kids
After rigorous review, the COVID-19 vaccine was authorized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for kids aged 5 to 11. In addition, the CDC recommended the vaccine for children in the same age group after it had been thoroughly tested on thousands of kids.
Dr. Pejman Salimpour noted, “The COVID vaccine for kids was both developed and tested in the same manner as those given to adults.” The side effects experienced by children during clinical trials were mild and similar in nature to those seen in routine vaccines.
Vaccination Risk Weighed Against COVID Harm
The statistics regarding COVID infections in children are sobering. Through October 2021, more than 8,300 children from 5 to 11 years old have been hospitalized due to the COVID-19 virus.
Unfortunately, almost 100 kids have died from causes related to COVID. In fact, Dr. Pejman Salimpour stated, “COVID falls into the top 10 causes of death for kids in this age bracket.”
Children who are infected with COVID-19 could become extremely sick. In addition, kids could experience short- and long-term complications after they have COVID. These conditions could last for weeks or even longer.
Serious complications from COVID include MIS-C, an inflammatory condition that affects different parts of the body. Between April 2020 and October 2021, there were more than 2,300 MIS-C cases reported in children between the ages of 5 and 11 years.
Reproductive Issues and the COVID-19 Vaccine
There is no evidence supporting the concerns of some parents that the vaccine could adversely affect children’s future fertility or reproduction. None of the vaccine antibodies or ingredients has been shown to cause issues with fertility or puberty with either males or females.
Professional medical organizations have reiterated that there is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine causes fertility loss. Additionally, these agencies recommend COVID vaccinations for both women and men who want to become parents in the future.
Dr. Pedram Salimpour recommends that all children aged 5 to 11 years old get the COVID vaccine in order to safeguard their health and help stem the spread of this risk to the public’s health.