“Two little nudges and I’m done”: Two Spokane kids are excited about the COVID-19 vaccine

May 4, 2021, 7:13 a.m.

Kaitlin Knapp

Posted: May 4, 2021 at 7:13 am

Updated: May 4, 2021, 7:16 am

Photo credit: Benson family

SPOKANE, Wash. – Children aged 12-15 are one step closer to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. The FDA is expected to give Pfizer the go-ahead and make its vaccine available to more children. All of this could be done in a few days.

When the news of the possible approval broke Monday afternoon, 14-year-old Ramona Benson said she was excited.

“I lit up inside – it’s just a big wave of relief that has hit me and I don’t have to worry about it anymore,” said Benson.

Her father Kevin Benson is fully vaccinated. He is excited about this next step in the fight against COVID-19.

“Vaccinating our family is the quickest way to get back as normal as possible,” he said.

A federal vaccine advisory board must first discuss the recommendation. If the emergency response is expanded by the FDA and the CDC accepts the recommendation, more shots can go into more arms shortly afterwards. In March, Pfizer said an early report of a vaccine study showed there were no cases of COVID-19 in vaccinated children between the ages of 12 and 15. Children had side effects – similar to young adults.

Kevin said his family had thought about the risks and rewards.

“We believe the risk of developing COVID is greater than the risk of our children being vaccinated,” he said.

The father of two also said the vaccine will allow them to do more, as per CDC guidelines.

Ramona’s sister, 12-year-old Eloise, said she was ready to go back to some normality, like seeing her friends’ faces.

“I just thought two little pokes and I’m done,” she said. “They may be far apart, but two small bumps and I’m done.”

The girls asked their parents a few questions about the vaccines. Both Ramona and Eloise said they trust science and encourage others to do the same so that we can end this pandemic.

“The sooner this pandemic is over, the better it will be for everyone,” said Ramona.

“Shots are scary but it will be over soon and it will help a lot of other people and yourself,” said Eloise.

Moderna is also working to make its vaccine available to younger people. The results of a study for children between the ages of 12 and 17 are expected to be published by the middle of this year.

Currently, Pfizer vaccines can be given to people aged 16 and over. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson can go to anyone over the age of 18.

RELATED: The FDA will approve Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine for 12 to 15 year olds by early next week, the official said

READ: “Vaccinated” sections will allow more viewers to attend events and church services in Washington