Can you do self-insemination at home ?
The past few months have brought a glimmer of hope for many, including myself. The COVID vaccines available are remarkable, and the pace at which they are being administered is incredibly encouraging. After enduring a year filled with pandemic anxiety and uncertainty, I can finally sense a light at the end of the tunnel, and it feels like a huge relief.
I vividly remember the tears of joy I shed when my sister and my partner received their first vaccines back in February. I hadn’t fully grasped how much fear I had been carrying until that moment. The thought that my sister would be safe and that my children wouldn’t lose their dad brought me immense relief; it was palpable.
I received my second dose just last week, and soon I will be fully vaccinated. Knowing that my children won’t lose their mom to COVID fills me with comfort. Although I’m a healthy 40-year-old, I understand that COVID doesn’t discriminate based on age or health status. Like many parents, I’ve spent countless sleepless nights worrying about the possibility of my children growing up without me.
So yes, I’m celebrating these vaccines wholeheartedly. I admire science and am grateful that it’s helping us emerge from this crisis.
However, when I read about how this summer is supposed to be the season where we all embrace our post-pandemic lives, I feel a shiver. Seeing others enthusiastically discuss their newfound freedoms—dining out, attending concerts, traveling to far-off places—fills me with a deep sense of FOMO.
When I see groups of children gathering without masks on social media, I wonder, “What is going on? Why are parents acting as if COVID is over?” You might be questioning my stance too. Why am I still acting as if it’s March 2020?
The answer is simple: I have two children, both of whom have asthma triggered by respiratory viruses, and they aren’t eligible for the vaccine yet. As a result, our family’s behavior won’t change significantly now that my partner and I are vaccinated.
Sure, my kids will be able to visit their vaccinated grandparents in the coming months, and I cherish how wonderful that will be. We are also planning a pandemic-safe family trip this summer (driving, staying at a rental home, ordering takeout, avoiding crowds, etc.), and I’m looking forward to that.
However, my children won’t be going to Disney, sleepaway camps, or indoor playdates this summer. We’ve essentially been in lockdown since the pandemic began, and I don’t foresee that changing anytime soon.
You might argue that children are less susceptible to COVID than adults. If I’m vaccinated, why can’t my kids participate in more activities? Well, as I mentioned, my children have an underlying condition (asthma), which the CDC identifies as a factor that could worsen COVID outcomes for kids and teens.
Even without pre-existing conditions, I would still exercise caution with my children until they can receive their vaccinations. Yes, while children are less likely to die from COVID compared to adults, it is actually more lethal for kids than the flu during a typical flu season. According to Dr. Jane Smith in the Journal of Pediatrics, “As of April 22, based on data from various regions, 296 children have succumbed to COVID-19; in contrast, annual pediatric deaths from influenza have ranged from 35 to 186 in recent years.”
Additionally, there is a growing body of evidence that children can experience long-term effects from COVID. Some long haulers endure prolonged fatigue, cognitive difficulties—some even struggle with breathing and performing everyday tasks. That’s significant. Why would I want to take that risk with my children?
Let’s also consider MIS-C, a severe inflammatory syndrome associated with COVID that can lead to ICU admissions for children. MIS-C can result in organ damage and even death, with unknown long-term consequences. This is frightening.
COVID isn’t a “mild” virus for kids. Imagine if a polio outbreak occurred in your area, and your child hadn’t been vaccinated. Imagine a measles outbreak larger than any we’ve seen in recent years—would you feel comfortable if your kid hadn’t received their measles vaccine? COVID is one of the most serious viruses our children may ever face—and right now, it’s still prevalent across the country.
Just yesterday, nearly 50,000 new COVID cases were reported in the U.S. Over the past month, Michigan has seen a significant surge in cases, particularly among school-aged children. Medically vulnerable children, like mine, are being hospitalized, and even healthy kids are being admitted in alarming numbers.
As a large portion of adults get vaccinated, many are suggesting that COVID will become a childhood illness, spreading primarily among children. I do not want my kids to be part of that if I can help it.
My vaccination won’t protect my children if they interact with another child who unknowingly has COVID. The vaccine won’t shield my child at a crowded amusement park. For now, we’ll be avoiding such places. No thanks.
I remain hopeful that COVID rates will continue to decline across America as more adults get vaccinated. I believe this summer may offer my children some new freedoms. I look forward to them spending time with their vaccinated grandparents (though we’ll remain cautious, as breakthrough infections are still possible). I’ll be seeking out more outdoor activities for my kids, and I’m open to considering masked outdoor playdates.
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I’ll feel assured sending my kids back to school in the fall if our community’s COVID numbers remain very low and the school adheres to strict safety protocols. This year, my children participated in remote learning due to high case counts.
But I refuse to take any risks with my kids until we achieve a high level of herd immunity or it’s their turn to receive the vaccine. Therefore, even though there’s much to celebrate regarding our progress, this summer won’t be a time of carefree enjoyment for my family.
We will not abandon masks or act as if it’s 2019. We will remain vigilant until this crisis is truly over and my children are protected.
I understand that not everyone can maintain the same level of caution as our family continues to do. Some parents need to send their kids to school and childcare. Many of those activities can be conducted in lower-risk ways, which I recognize (though “low risk” doesn’t equate to “no risk,” which is why I haven’t felt comfortable participating in those activities).
At the same time, I see too many parents disregarding safety precautions lately, and it stresses me out. The belief that life is returning to normal just because adults are vaccinated is dangerous. Our unvaccinated children still face risks of serious illness. Moreover, even if that doesn’t concern you, your child may spread the virus to others, including medically vulnerable children like mine or adults with compromised immune systems who can’t generate strong antibody responses to the vaccine. These individuals could become severely ill, face death, or experience long-term complications from COVID. I do not want to contribute to that.
The CDC continues to advise against unmasked activities for unvaccinated individuals, including children. Therefore, while I encourage you to celebrate your vaccination status, please remain cautious regarding your kids. This pandemic is not over, and we must continue to act with common sense and empathy.
If you share my perspective—vaccinated but still protecting your kids as if it’s March 2020—you are not alone. You are not “overreacting.”
For further insights, you might find this other blog post interesting, especially if you’re navigating similar challenges.