As a mother of two teenagers, Mary Smith (not her real name), is feeling uncomfortable about the potential risks associated with giving the COVID-19 vaccine to young children.
With more than half of Ontarians having received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine - and the government anticipating more doses flowing in week by week - the province has been steadily lowering the age for those eligible to receive their shots to kids as young as 12.
But Smith said she finds that very concerning, especially since kids are not required to obtain parental consent prior to getting the jab.
“I have been following a lot of the information coming out about the safety of the vaccine for kids. I know it’s authorized for emergency use, (and) it’s experimental … and I understand it’s there for people who are concerned and want to have it for their kids, however my concern lies in the potential of coercion or pressure from anybody who is not a medical doctor for kids to be getting this shot,” said Smith.
“I respect individual freedoms and rights, and have all the respect in the world for parents who make that choice. My concern is solely in the higher pressure, coercion incentives with various places - ice cream and that sort of thing - to entice kids as young as 12 who couldn’t possibly understand the MRNA versus regular shots and the risk of side effects," she told MidlandToday.
"You can’t explain that to a 12-year-old in the time you’ve got to give them a shot.”
Smith said she respects an adult decision to get themselves or their children vaccinated, but feels there is too much pressure being put on children to do so.
“It’s this pressure to make kids feel like there is something wrong with them if they don’t get it. In this situation it’s really being used to get as many people vaccinated as possible without due diligence for kids as young as 12,” she said, acknowledging the topic is a controversial one.
“I feel as though in Canada we are being really aggressive with it, to the point where I feel we are being irresponsible,” she said.
“I question whether it’s morally right to allow a 12-year-old to go ahead without parental consent," Smith said. "You have to be 16 to drive (and) 18 to get a tattoo without a parent’s consent. If people know all the risks and make the decision that’s one thing, but if they’re pressured and rushed into getting it, or there’s peer pressure among 12year-olds … that’s not OK."
Dr. Colin Lee, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit's Associate Medical Officer of Health, told MidlandToday the organization stands behind the decision to provide vaccination to youth, noting it is a safe and effective vaccine.
The health unit is encouraging youth to get the vaccine. Lee added they are currently awaiting the trial results and Health Canada approval for potential vaccines available for children under the age of 12, and anticipate that will be forthcoming in the next few months.
“The Ontario Health Care Consent Act states that all persons, regardless of age, may consent to medical treatment, provided they understand the benefits and risks of the treatment as well as the benefits and risks of not having the treatment,” noted Lee, adding there is no minimum age in Ontario for informed consent.
“We routinely provide immunization to Grade 7 students yearly at schools, and we find certainly at the Grade 7 level that in general, they are capable of understanding the benefits and risks of vaccines, and we would expect that most 12 years old will also be capable," said Lee.
Lee noted each student is assessed individually by a nurse, based on the principles of the Health Care Consent Act, to ensure that informed consent can be obtained.
“Parents (and) legal guardians are encouraged to talk with their children about the benefits (and) risks of immunization prior to the clinic.”
