As I scroll through my social media feeds, I stumble upon a headline from New York: “The emergency is over,” quotes the governor. My stomach drops at such proclamations. Later, I come across a post showing a mom at a birthday party, her kids—none of whom are vaccinated—climbing all over each other indoors without masks.
I remind myself not to judge other parents too harshly; we’re all fatigued by the long stretch of this pandemic. Honestly, I’ve moved past anger. People will make their own choices, and that’s their prerogative. Yet, I can’t comprehend how parents with children under 12 are acting as if the pandemic is behind us.
While COVID-19 rates have significantly decreased and many families have been vaccinated—including three members of my family—children under 12 still lack access to vaccines. It’s perplexing.
For my family, caution remains our priority until our eight-year-old can be vaccinated. We limit his interactions to unmasked socialization with vaccinated individuals, meaning no playdates with children his age. Outdoor activities have increased, but we still enforce precautions to ensure he stays safe.
Despite the decreased risks for children, the threat of COVID-19 remains. Over 300 kids have died from the virus in the U.S., and I worry about the potential long-term effects like multisystem inflammatory syndrome and “long COVID.”
Feeling vigilant during these times can be isolating. It seems that many people are discussing the pandemic in the past tense, and while I understand the relief that comes with vaccinations, I can’t fully let my guard down until my son is protected. I still worry about potential school policies and the timeline for vaccines for younger children.
It’s a confusing state of mind: relief and anxiety existing side by side. I fear that my vaccination might lead me to become complacent, forgetting the serious risks still at play.
Recently, I shared my feelings on social media, suggesting that parents with unvaccinated kids under 12 need a support group. I was relieved to find I’m not alone in this struggle. Many others feel similarly, grappling with the stress of a society that seems to have moved on.
If you’re navigating these feelings, know you’re not alone. As we continue to seek normalcy, we recognize that it may be a while before we truly feel it, especially until our children are vaccinated.
If you’re interested in joining our discussions, we meet nightly at 2 a.m. while the world sleeps. We share our concerns about variants, vaccine timelines, and school mandates, and we would love for you to join us—just remember to wear a mask.
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Summary
The piece discusses the complexities of navigating life during the pandemic as a parent of children under 12 who cannot yet be vaccinated. It highlights the emotional turmoil of feeling both relieved and anxious, the challenges of socializing, and the need for community support among parents in similar situations.