The Payoffs and Perils of Mass Vaccinations for Children

Vaccinating young people can mean an end to the pandemic, health officials and providers say. But requiring the shots threatens to provoke resistance and distrust.

Instead of launching directly into case, death and hospitalization tallies, the White House COVID-19 task force briefing began this week with a personal plea from senior adviser Andy Slavitt, whose son is suffering from long-haul symptoms after contracting the coronavirus last year.

"Six months later, he still suffers from tachycardia, shortness of breath, and ongoing and frequent flu-like symptoms," said Slavitt, who previously served in...