NEW YORK (WABC) — People trying to decide whether to get a COVID-19 vaccine this year are facing conflicting recommendations from health officials and medical organizations, creating confusion for many families.
If you’re wondering why it seems like there are no uniform guidelines for this year’s COVID vaccine, you are not alone. According to infectious disease experts, the lack of consistent guidance may be contributing to low vaccination rates.
“As a result, less people are getting vaccinated, particularly the COVID vaccine. We know that rates of uptake of COVID vaccine are very low, among adults,” said Dr. Bruce Farber, chief of infectious diseases at Northwell Health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends that COVID-19 vaccination be an individual choice made in consultation with a doctor. In contrast, the New York State Department of Health recommends the vaccine for everyone ages 6 months and older.
The American Academy of Pediatrics takes a more nuanced approach. The organization recommends the vaccine for children ages 6 months to 2 years and advises that doctors help assess a child’s risk of severe illness from COVID-19 when evaluating vaccination for those between ages 2 and 18.
“It is very confusing and hard to navigate and make decisions when you’re getting different information from everywhere,” said Stephanie Grossi, a mother from Manhasset.
Farber said the youngest children should be vaccinated.
“Those in that critical age group of 6 months to a couple of years should get two doses of vaccine, separated by a period of time,” he said.
At the same time, Farber said vaccination decisions may differ for older children.
“No one’s going to criticize you for not giving a COVID vaccine to a healthy 16-year-old and quite frankly, I probably wouldn’t,” he said.
Farber also advised people ages 18 to 24 to consult their doctors about potential side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine. He said the vaccine is recommended for older adults, especially those 65 and older.
For parents trying to make decisions amid the differing recommendations, the uncertainty can be frustrating.
“It seems like it goes into one direction with one administration, and then the next, it’s a completely different direction,” said Vanessa Burdier, a mother from Little Neck.
With guidance varying among organizations and experts, health officials and doctors continue to encourage patients to discuss their individual circumstances with their physicians before making vaccination decisions.
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