COVID-19 Vaccine Information & FAQ

We are now scheduling appointments for active patients of Karam Pediatric Group ages 6 months to 5 years, 5-11, and 12-17 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to protect your child from this terrible virus.

Many parents have expressed concerns about the vaccine, and I will attempt to allay any fears or concerns you may have by answering questions that have been posed by parents over the last few months.

Is it safe? Are there long term side effects?

This vaccine is extremely safe. Testing of thousands of children from 12 to 17, 5 to 11, and now 6 months to 5 show that other than a sore arm, fever, and general malaise, children and teens tolerate these expected side effects very well.  However, in teens, there have been reports of Myocarditis/Pericarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle and the surrounding pericardium. This is very rare, occurring in 1 in 7,000 to 1 in 100,000 teenagers. (The difference in numbers reflects different studies in different populations).  Of all reported cases so far, there have been no serious outcomes, no deaths and complete resolution.  Remember that heart inflammation is common not only with COVID infection but also with MISC, the after-COVID condition that has put many kids in the hospital and ICU. 

As for long-term side effects, the honest answer is that we really don’t know.  But in the history of vaccines, side effects occur within the first 2 months after the vaccine given.  Every expert that has commented on this has stated, and I agree, that long-term side effects are extremely unlikely and would be the first in the history of vaccination.  

It is clear that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh any potential side effects, and certainly outweigh the possible  complications from the actual disease.

But Dr. Karam, isn’t COVID a mild disease in kids?  And kids don’t die from it, or go the hospital, right? 

While kids do have less illness, are less ill when infected, and die at a slower rate than adults, kids do die and are admitted to the hospital and some to the ICU. Over 700 kids have passed away from this disease since the pandemic, and the delta variant has really accelerated this. Thousands have been admitted to the hospital and ICU.  In addition, kids could potentially pass this disease to adults and to those who are at high-risk.  There is almost no way to know which kids will get really sick, and which will not.  Are you willing to take that risk with a safe and effective vaccine available?   

And remember, seeing fewer serious cases and deaths does not mean “None”.  The hospitalization and/or death of any child is one too many in my opinion. COVID is now a vaccine-preventable disease, like polio or measles. There is no excuse for any child to die from this disease.

How to I get the vaccine for my child?

Our office has vaccines available for kids ages 6 months-5 years, 5-11 and 12-17.  You must contact us to make an appointment in advance in order to for your child to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.  There is a complex process that we have put into place to make sure we do this right. Please to not “walk-in” for the vaccine.  Also note that we are making this available only for active patients of Karam Pediatric Group. Contact our  nurses for any other concerns you may have.  I do realize this is an important decision for you and your children. There is unfortunately much doubt and suspicion being spread by the anti-vaccine and anti-science movement. Please, listen to the experts and always feel free to ask me any questions you may have. COVID is now a vaccine-preventable disease. I urge you to do your part to protect your child.