Great explanation. But today, I am So concerned about the Fl DOH coming out yesterday advising parents not to get their child vaccinated. I understand a small number of kids (usually males) getting myocarditis with the vaccine, but there are also kids having long COVID and heart issues from COVID. Please comment on this. Thank you for all you do to help us understand.
Great explanation. But today, I am So concerned about the Fl DOH coming out yesterday advising parents not to get their child vaccinated. I understand a small number of kids (usually males) getting myocarditis with the vaccine, but there are also kids having long COVID and heart issues from COVID. Please comment on this. Thank you for all you do to help us understand.
First, recall that Dr. Lapado has been a vocal critic of almost every bit of science-based guidance developed regarding COVID. That he's directed the Dept of Health to renounce pediatric vaccinations is rather sad, but not unexpected. The absolute number of pediatric myocarditis cases is likely alarming to the public, and has been used to provide a foil against vaccination for awhile, but despite rising numbers, we know that, statistically, the number is exceedingly small, and that the vast majority recover in a matter of days to a normal state. At this point, we do need more research on vaccination for younger children, and the potential exists that Pfizer's dose selection was not sufficient to initiate a solid immune response... or there are other issues at play. In fact, as Katelyn points out the incidence of myocarditis is much higher in kids who had COVID than in the vaccinated population, and those who suffered from COVID and subsequent myocarditis were less likely to have an uncomplicated course.
I still think universal vaccination will be our best bet to overcome SARS-CoV-2 in the long run. That means vaccines for all age groups, mandating COVID vaccination as part of the standard immunizations including for school. I was warned today that such opinions in public health are now seen as condescending and paternalistic, but I see it as a critically determined, evidence-based result.
Thank you for your thoughts. It really is a BIG FAT mess. For pediatricians - advising parents is getting so complicated! With Dr. Google and so much mis-information - it is really tough. The news media blows everything up making it sound like the majority of kids getting the vaccine will get very sick and have permanent heart damage. The facts are different - you are absolutely correct. A number of my friends are now saying "I told you so! I knew this vaccine was poison for myself and my kids!". UGGHHHHH. I really feel terrible for all docs trying to explain this to their patients.
My patients all warn me about the medical care they receive in Florida. A great place to go for humid weather, Mickey Mouse, and fantasy worlds in general. But the relative risk of harm from vaccination in kids versus benefit, even if diluted and less than we had hoped for, still tilts strongly towards vaccination. I'm ashamed of this Dr.'s political advice. Hoping to get my kid a booster, not questioning the value of the 2 shots she's received.
Great explanation. But today, I am So concerned about the Fl DOH coming out yesterday advising parents not to get their child vaccinated. I understand a small number of kids (usually males) getting myocarditis with the vaccine, but there are also kids having long COVID and heart issues from COVID. Please comment on this. Thank you for all you do to help us understand.
First, recall that Dr. Lapado has been a vocal critic of almost every bit of science-based guidance developed regarding COVID. That he's directed the Dept of Health to renounce pediatric vaccinations is rather sad, but not unexpected. The absolute number of pediatric myocarditis cases is likely alarming to the public, and has been used to provide a foil against vaccination for awhile, but despite rising numbers, we know that, statistically, the number is exceedingly small, and that the vast majority recover in a matter of days to a normal state. At this point, we do need more research on vaccination for younger children, and the potential exists that Pfizer's dose selection was not sufficient to initiate a solid immune response... or there are other issues at play. In fact, as Katelyn points out the incidence of myocarditis is much higher in kids who had COVID than in the vaccinated population, and those who suffered from COVID and subsequent myocarditis were less likely to have an uncomplicated course.
I still think universal vaccination will be our best bet to overcome SARS-CoV-2 in the long run. That means vaccines for all age groups, mandating COVID vaccination as part of the standard immunizations including for school. I was warned today that such opinions in public health are now seen as condescending and paternalistic, but I see it as a critically determined, evidence-based result.
Thank you for your thoughts. It really is a BIG FAT mess. For pediatricians - advising parents is getting so complicated! With Dr. Google and so much mis-information - it is really tough. The news media blows everything up making it sound like the majority of kids getting the vaccine will get very sick and have permanent heart damage. The facts are different - you are absolutely correct. A number of my friends are now saying "I told you so! I knew this vaccine was poison for myself and my kids!". UGGHHHHH. I really feel terrible for all docs trying to explain this to their patients.
My patients all warn me about the medical care they receive in Florida. A great place to go for humid weather, Mickey Mouse, and fantasy worlds in general. But the relative risk of harm from vaccination in kids versus benefit, even if diluted and less than we had hoped for, still tilts strongly towards vaccination. I'm ashamed of this Dr.'s political advice. Hoping to get my kid a booster, not questioning the value of the 2 shots she's received.