I’m Fully Vaccinated, But I’ll Stay Cautious Until My Kids Are Vaxxed Too

Like many, I’ve felt a renewed sense of hope in recent months. The COVID vaccines available are truly remarkable, and the rapid pace at which they are being administered is comforting. After a year filled with pandemic anxiety and uncertainty, I can finally glimpse the light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s incredibly relieving.

I still remember the overwhelming joy when my mom and husband received their first doses in February. The fear I’d been carrying for nearly a year was suddenly lifted. Knowing that my children wouldn’t lose their dad and that I wouldn’t lose my mom was a monumental relief.

Having just received my second vaccine last week, I’ll soon be fully vaccinated. The comfort I feel knowing I am less likely to succumb to COVID is immense. As a healthy 40-year-old, I understand that the virus doesn’t discriminate based on age or health. Like many parents, I’ve spent countless sleepless nights worrying about what it would mean for my children if I were gone.

So yes, I celebrate these vaccines wholeheartedly. I have a deep appreciation for science and its role in helping us navigate this crisis.

Yet, as I read about people planning to dive into their post-pandemic lives, I can’t help but feel anxious. When I see families enjoying activities like dining out or traveling, I experience a profound sense of FOMO. I scroll through social media and see groups of kids gathering without masks, thinking, “What’s happening? Why are parents acting like COVID is behind us?”

You might wonder why I’m still behaving as if it’s March 2020. The reason is straightforward: I have two kids, both with asthma triggered by respiratory viruses, who are not yet eligible for the vaccine. Consequently, our family’s approach isn’t changing just because my husband and I are vaccinated.

Of course, my children will spend time with their vaccinated grandparents in the coming months, and I’m grateful for that. We’re also planning a safe, pandemic-friendly vacation this summer—driving, renting a house, ordering takeout, and avoiding crowds. However, my kids won’t be visiting places like Disney, attending sleepaway camp, or having indoor playdates.

We’ve been in lockdown mode since the pandemic began, and I don’t foresee that changing soon.

You might argue that children are at lower risk for COVID than adults. If I’m vaccinated, why not let my kids have more freedom? The answer lies in my children’s underlying asthma, which the CDC notes can worsen COVID outcomes in kids and teens.

Even if my kids were perfectly healthy, I would still be cautious until they can receive the vaccine. Yes, children are less likely to die from COVID than adults, but it’s still a more serious threat to them than the flu. As Dr. Leana Wen pointed out, by April 22, 2021, 296 children had died from COVID, while annual pediatric flu deaths have ranged from 35 to 186.

There’s also significant evidence that children can experience long-term effects from COVID. Some children endure months of fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and even respiratory issues. Why would I risk that for my kids?

Additionally, there’s the concern of MIS-C, a serious inflammatory condition linked to COVID that can lead to severe health complications or even death. The long-term effects of this syndrome are still unclear, which is frightening.

COVID isn’t simply a “mild” virus for kids. Imagine if a polio outbreak occurred in your area while your child was unvaccinated. Or if measles surged and your child hadn’t received their vaccine. COVID remains one of the most concerning viruses children could encounter, and it’s still spreading widely.

Just yesterday, nearly 50,000 new COVID cases were reported in America. Despite significant vaccination efforts, certain areas, like Michigan, are experiencing alarming spikes among school-aged children. Medically vulnerable kids like mine are being hospitalized, and even healthy children are facing serious health risks.

With many adults now vaccinated, some believe COVID will predominantly affect children moving forward. I want to shield my kids from that scenario.

Even though I’m vaccinated, my protection doesn’t extend to my children if they interact with someone unknowingly infected. My vaccine won’t guard them against germs at crowded venues. Therefore, we’ll continue to avoid such environments for now.

I hold out hope that COVID rates will continue to decline as more adults get vaccinated. I’m optimistic that this summer will bring some new freedoms for my kids, like visiting their vaccinated grandparents—but we’ll still prioritize safety and caution, as breakthrough infections can occur. I’m seeking outdoor, masked activities for my children and may consider some outdoor playdates, also masked.

I genuinely hope that by fall, if local COVID numbers are low and schools maintain strict health protocols, my kids can return to school. This past year, they were fully remote due to my concerns about high case numbers.

Until we achieve high herd immunity or my kids are vaccinated, I won’t take any risks. That means this summer won’t be a carefree celebration for us. We won’t discard our masks or pretend it’s 2019. We’ll stay vigilant until this crisis is behind us and my kids are protected.

I understand that not every family can maintain the same level of caution we do. Many parents must send their children to school and childcare, and while those can be managed in lower-risk ways, I also see too many parents disregarding safety measures. This mindset that life has returned to normal now that adults are vaccinated is troubling. Unvaccinated children can still get very sick and spread the virus to others, including vulnerable individuals who might face severe consequences.

The CDC still advises against unmasked activities for unvaccinated individuals, including children. So please, celebrate your vaccination status, but continue to prioritize your kids’ safety. The pandemic is far from over, and we must remain vigilant and compassionate.

If you’re in a similar situation—vaccinated but still protecting your kids as if it’s March 2020—you are not alone, nor are you overreacting.

For more insights, check out this related blog post.
And if you’re interested in learning more about at-home insemination, this resource from Make a Mom provides comprehensive information. For additional details on the effectiveness of IUI, WebMD offers excellent information on the topic.

Probable Search Queries:

Summary:

As a fully vaccinated parent, I remain cautious until my children, who are not yet eligible for the vaccine, can be protected. Despite the growing optimism surrounding the pandemic, I choose to keep my family’s activities limited to safeguard my kids’ health. The risks of COVID-19, including severe illness and long-term effects in children, compel me to stay vigilant and prioritize their safety over social engagements. I hope for a future where we can relax these precautions, but until then, I’ll continue to follow safety measures and encourage others to do the same.

Keyphrase: COVID-19 precautions for unvaccinated children

Tags: “home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”