How parents can protect Birmingham children from COVID—hear one family’s vaccine story [VIDEO]
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Birmingham children continue to be exposed to COVID. During the week of December 13, Jefferson County alone saw 21 new cases. Earlier this month, the state reported nearly 600 COVID cases across Alabama K-12 schools in one week. How can parents protect their children as cases continue to pop up? Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama shares a message from top docs at Children’s of Alabama: get vaccinated.
A powerful message from Dr. David W. Kimberlin
Dr. David W. Kimberlin, Professor/Co-Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Children’s of Alabama and University of Alabama at Birmingham, offers some staggering facts in this powerful video.
Dr. Kimberlin recalls daily experiences of parents feeling hopelessness as their children were admitted to the hospital and, in severe cases, placed on machines to take over every aspect of their bodily function in an effort to keep them alive. And the worst part, he says, was the knowledge these parents had that it was entirely preventable.
“What’s important for parents to understand is, these vaccines, and what we know of the vaccines, build on what we previously have known. Not only are we seeing that these are extremely safe vaccines, but we also have eyes on the ground across the country to be able to see if there’s ever a little blip that would suggest we need to focus in on something particular.”
—Dr. David W. Kimberlin, Professor/Co-Director, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children’s of Alabama and University of Alabama at Birmingham
The Ramey family’s vaccine story
Photo via Heidi Ramey
For Heidi Ramey, a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama employee, vaccinating her girls was an informed, family decision. She actively sought out their pediatrician and other professionals within the medical community who she felt she could trust. Most importantly, she wanted her family to be involved in the decision.
After talking through the specifics of the vaccine with medical professionals, and confirming her girls were on board, Heidi set up their vaccine appointments. Her older daughter had very mild side effects that lasted about a day after her appointment. Her 9-year-old had no side effects from the vaccine. Now, the family is ready to head into the holidays.
“We’re an active family—the girls are in a lot of activities and we enjoy traveling. After talking to credible sources and discussing it as a family, we decided it was the best option for us. We all agreed this would offer them the best protection and give us peace of mind when we were getting together with other family members, including their grandparents over Christmas.”
—Heidi Ramey
Looking for a spot to vaccinate your children in Birmingham? Don’t worry, I’ve done the work for you…
Where to get Birmingham children vaccinated
Photo via Jacob Blankenship for Bham Now
Schedule a vaccine appointment in Birmingham. For children age 5-17, be sure to call the pharmacy before scheduling to ensure they offer the Pfizer vaccine.
Have specific questions on the vaccine’s chemical makeup or dosage for children? Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama recommends consulting your child’s pharmacist or pediatrician.
Count on Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama for fact-based updates on COVID vaccine information.
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