Perspectives: Parents Divided on Vaccinating Kids

With the recent federal authorization of Pfizer's kid-size COVID-19 vaccine, parents are considering public health, safety, science and other factors while deciding whether their children will get the shot.

The White House estimated this week that roughly 900,000 kids had received their first vaccine shot since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized it last week. Roughly 28 million kids ages 5-11 are now eligible. In a survey published by the Kaiser Family Foundation last month, 27% of parents said they'd vaccinate their kids as soon as one was authorized, 30% said they would “definitely not” get their 5-to-11-year-olds vaccinated, and 33% would “wait and see” how the vaccine was working before getting their kids vaccinated.

Voices across the spectrum are often split on whether vaccinating kids against COVID-19 is a good idea. Voices on the right are often more hesitant, and usually cite a lack of necessity or deep research, as well as quotes from doctors who are against vaccinating kids until more research is done. Perspectives from left-rated media tend to support vaccinating kids, and often quote pediatricians and medical experts who encourage parents to get their children the shots in order to curb the pandemic and maintain public safety.