CDC Recommends Updated COVID-19 Vaccine for Kids 6 Months and Older
BOSTON – In response to a concerned parent’s question, Dr. Mallika Marshall is assuring parents that the updated COVID-19 vaccine is necessary for all children aged 6 months and older. Lauren from Revere wrote in, asking if her two healthy kids, ages 2 and 7, need to get the new booster.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that children aged 5 and older receive at least one dose of the updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, while children between 6 months and 4 years old should receive two doses of either vaccine.
Despite these recommendations, the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that more than half of American children aged 6 months and older have not received even one COVID-19 shot. It’s important to note that even healthy children can get severely ill from COVID-19. Dr. Marshall addresses concerns about potential side effects such as heart inflammation, stating that the risk of heart complications from getting COVID-19 is much higher than from getting the vaccine.
Dr. Mallika Marshall, an Emmy-award-winning journalist and physician, has been serving as the HealthWatch Reporter for CBS Boston/WBZ-TV for over 20 years. She is also a practicing physician at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, where she is currently caring for COVID-19 patients on the frontlines. Dr. Marshall emphasizes that while she offers her best advice, it is crucial to consult with a personal doctor before making any decisions about personal health.
With the Delta variant driving an increase in COVID-19 cases among children, getting vaccinated is crucial to protect their health and curb the spread of the virus. Parents are encouraged to reach out to their healthcare providers to schedule COVID-19 vaccinations for their children.
For more information on COVID-19 and vaccine updates, visit the CBS News website.