Why I Enrolled My Children in the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Trial
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Chapter 1: My Family's Journey into Vaccine Research
In August, my husband and I made the decision to enroll our children in the Pfizer clinical trial for the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine. The urgency of vaccinating children has never been more critical.
As a rheumatologist and immunologist with a PhD at Duke University School of Medicine, I have a dual role: I treat patients and conduct research. I am also the mother of a three-year-old son and a nine-month-old daughter.
My enthusiasm for vaccines predates the COVID-19 pandemic. As a medical professional, I recognize that vaccines are among the few preventive measures I can offer to shield my patients from diseases.
Once I discovered that Duke was one of the sites conducting the Pfizer study for younger children, I promptly enrolled my kids. They received their first doses—either the vaccine or a placebo—just a week later on August 10, and the second dose on August 30.
Before the appointment, we prepared our toddler by explaining what to expect. I conveyed to him that he had the chance to help other kids, which moved me deeply when he expressed his desire to "be brave for all the kids." He not only displayed courage but also encouraged his baby sister throughout the entire visit.
The trial's processes were clear and straightforward.
To qualify, we underwent extensive questioning to ensure we met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and we consulted with a healthcare provider. Each child also provided a blood sample, and the care team maintained transparency about each step involved.
The vaccine administration itself resembled a typical doctor's visit. We remained for half an hour afterward to monitor for any potential side effects, similar to what adults do when receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
As part of the trial, we regularly provide the research team with follow-up data. For a week after each dose, we monitored our children's temperatures and any symptoms they exhibited. We've committed to submitting weekly symptom diaries and attending periodic check-ups over the next 26 months. While we are unaware of whether they received the vaccine or placebo, both children have shown no adverse reactions so far.
Section 1.1: The Importance of Vaccination
For me, vaccination is the only viable option in the face of COVID-19.
Given my background as a scientist and physician, I felt confident about enrolling my children in this trial. I have faith in vaccines and the scientific processes that lead to their development. Choosing not to vaccinate my children at the earliest opportunity was a risk my husband and I were unwilling to take.
It's often overlooked that research on coronavirus and mRNA vaccines began long before this pandemic. This foundational work is why we were able to develop vaccines so swiftly.
I frequently receive questions about whether it feels daunting to involve my young children in a clinical trial. In my opinion, any hypothetical risk of my children receiving a vaccine that has already been safely administered to hundreds of millions is far less alarming than the genuine risk of them contracting or spreading COVID-19.
Regrettably, misinformation regarding COVID-19 and its vaccines is pervasive, making it challenging to distinguish fact from falsehood. This is why relying on data demonstrating the safety and efficacy of these vaccines is crucial.
Section 1.2: A Personal Choice
Deciding to enroll one’s children in a clinical trial is a deeply personal decision. I understand that many parents may prefer to wait for FDA authorization before vaccinating their children. I hope that once that milestone is reached, families will find reassurance in the experiences of the children who participated in these trials. I urge them to trust the guidance of experts who have rigorously analyzed the data and confirmed that these vaccines are both safe and effective.
Chapter 2: A Legacy of Contribution
As I anticipate a future where my children will learn about this historic time in their textbooks, I hope they will feel a sense of pride knowing they played a role in the scientific efforts to end this pandemic. I am already immensely proud of them.
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