Doctors urge parents to get kids vaccinated

Rochester, New York – As COVID cases rise across the country, doctors are urging parents with children eligible for the shot, to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

According to Dr. Nicole Cifra from URMC, the extra level of protection could keep kids in the classroom.

“I’ve had a lot of families and patients ask questions about what the school year is going to look like – how I see things going,” said Dr. Cifra. “And I don’t have a crystal ball, but what I can tell them, with confidence, is that getting as much of the community vaccinated is going to help get our kids and keep our kids in school.”

In May, the FDA approved Pfizer’s COVID vaccine for emergency use in children as young as 12. The company is now seeking full approval.

Still, for some parents, that won’t be enough. Kayla Schneider thinks there needs to be more research into the long-term effects of the vaccine.

“Personally, I don’t think there is enough study done on this vaccine,” said Schneider.

The East Rochester mother of three says she’s worried the vaccine could negatively impact her children’s development.

According to Dr. Cifra, in the unlikely event, a patient has an adverse reaction, the symptoms would appear in the first couple of months.

“There’s never been a vaccine where there’s a side effect that you see years down the road and have to kind of deal with,” said Dr. Cifra.