This week, federal and state officials authorized the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5-11. KLCC checked in with some parents and children in Eugene to see what they are thinking about as the vaccine roll-out begins for kids.
The odd one out
“Hi, my name’s Kellen and I’m 9 years old,” said Kellen Moore.
“Kellen, you’ve had a few vaccines in your life,” began KLCC’s Tiffany Eckert, “do you know about the COVID-19 vaccine?”
“Yes.”
“How do you feel about the idea of getting one yourself like your brothers have?” asked Eckert.
“I really want to.” Kellen said.
“Why?”
“I don’t know.” Kellen said. “'Cause maybe it would make it so I could have my mask off in school. Uh, not really. I want to get the shot very soon because it’s weird being the odd one out in my family and being the only one who hasn’t got the vaccine.”
A mother of three
“I’m Ann Moore. I have three boys. 16, 14 and 9.”
“Are any of your kids vaccinated so far?” Eckert asked.
“The older two are.”
”How do you feel about getting the youngest kid, Kellen vaccinated against COVID-19?”
“I’m glad we have the opportunity,” said Moore. “He’s looking forward to it. Definitely, feels like the best option right now for him and for the community and for older family and friends to have everybody possible vaccinated. I still think ultimately, people should have a choice about it.”
Opting instead for natural immunity
“My name’s Annie Fisher. I’m 40 years old. And I have two kids, age 4 and 7. My position is that we’re not going to do it. I feel pretty strongly about that. One size fits all medicine is dangerous. And there’s just too many unknowns for us,” Fisher said. “We decided in the beginning that we were going to pursue natural immunity.”
Eager dad of two
“My name is David Meek. I’m an assistant professor of global studies at the University of Oregon in the Global Studies department and I’m really excited about the prospect of the COVID vaccine being authorized for use by kiddos. I’m a father of two kids, ages 10 and almost 8. We’ve got a 7 year-old,” said Meek. “And I think having the vaccine available for kids is really going to be a game-changer in continuing to slowly return to something approximating what we remember to be normal life in the before times.”
A daughter ready for normalcy
“Hello. My name is Annabelle Meek. I’m the daughter of David Meek and Leslie Jo Weaver. I’m very excited for the COVID vaccine to come out. Even though shots are a lot,” Annabelle said. “I’m so excited not to have to wear masks all the time at like, in class, or going to the library, or doing like sports or piano lessons again. It’ll be so much fun and hanging out with my friends, not having to be 6 feet apart.
Taking a shot for friends and family
“I’m Miles. I’m super excited for the COVID vaccine because then I can play with my friends and go biking in big crowds and I don’t have to wear a mask at school,” said Miles. “I’m really, really, really excited for it. And I don’t like shots but I’d do that for the COVID vaccine because I really, really, really want my friends to be okay and my sister, and my dad, and my mom, and other people.”
This story was reported by Tiffany Eckert and produced by Rachael McDonald.
Copyright 2021 KLCC.
