"Should I Vaccinate My Child? Growing Concerns Among Parents About Pediatric and Adolescent Vaccination"

Parents "Worried Children May Withdraw if Not Vaccinated"
Government "Not Mandatory Vaccination... Benefits Expected to Be Significant"

A high school senior taking the college entrance exam is receiving a vaccine at the vaccination center set up in Dongjak-gu Sports Center, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Juhee] As the government plans to start COVID-19 vaccinations for children and adolescents aged 12 to 17 (grades 6 to 11) from October, following the vaccinations for high school seniors, parents' concerns are growing. While there are worries about side effects after vaccination, there is also anxiety that children who do not get vaccinated might face disadvantages in daily life such as at school or academies.

Recently, many posts asking whether to vaccinate their children have appeared on social networking services (SNS) and online communities.

Netizen A said, "I've heard that even people in their 20s have experienced side effects, so I wonder if children can endure it..." and added, "My child is still young, and I don't know if they have any allergies, so I'm worried. When I asked around, other parents also said they would not vaccinate."

A continued, "Honestly, I don't want my children to get vaccinated yet, but I feel like there will be pressure at school or academies," and expressed, "I hope there won't be a forced atmosphere."

On the 27th, the government announced the COVID-19 vaccination plan for the fourth quarter of this year, including children and adolescents aged 12 to 17 as vaccination targets. Accordingly, those aged 16 to 17 (born in 2004?2005) will receive the Pfizer vaccine starting from October 18, and those aged 12 to 15 (born in 2006?2009) will be vaccinated from November 1, with doses given three weeks apart.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency explained this decision by stating, "Although children and adolescents have a low rate of progressing to severe illness or death from COVID-19, rare complications such as severe infection and multisystem inflammatory syndrome can occur. Additionally, isolation due to COVID-19 infection reduces educational opportunities and causes psychological withdrawal, seriously affecting mental health and social aspects."

However, vaccination for those aged 12 to 17 is not mandatory but optional, requiring both the individual's and guardian's consent.

Medical staff administering vaccines. / Photo by Yonhap News

Nevertheless, among citizens, there are many voices expressing concern about potential disadvantages if they do not get vaccinated. Netizens responded with comments such as, "I'm worried my child will feel isolated among friends if they don't get vaccinated," and "Although it's said to be a choice, can it really be called optional when there is social pressure?"

On the other hand, there were also opinions advocating for vaccination whenever possible. Mrs. Kim, a housewife with a child in the third year of middle school, said, "My child once had to miss about 10 days of school after close contact with a COVID-19 positive person at an academy. Although I am worried, I think vaccination is necessary."

Meanwhile, the government stated that vaccination is not compulsory but judged that the benefits of vaccination are significant. On the 28th, Minister of Health and Welfare Kwon Deok-cheol recommended vaccination at a press club discussion, saying, "(For those aged 12 to 17) it is beneficial to get vaccinated for school, studies, and social interactions with friends." He also emphasized, "The government will adequately respond to safety concerns regarding vaccine side effects."

However, Minister Kwon noted, "This age group is considered to have a low risk of severe illness even if infected with COVID-19. Therefore, the decision to vaccinate is left to the parents and students."

He added, "We vaccinated high school seniors first, and while preventing the spread of COVID-19, school classes have been conducted smoothly. There are many issues with academic gaps due to school closures caused by COVID-19, so I believe it is good for adolescents aged 12 to 17 to get vaccinated for their school life as well."