Children's Health

Health & Safety

Why some parents want their kids vaccinated against COVID — and some don't

4:55pm October 27, 2021

by Jenny Brundin

Authorization of COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11 has many kids, parents and teachers eagerly anticipating shots and perhaps slightly more normal lives.

When Caitlin Wells Salerno and Jon Salerno's first son, Hank, was born, his delivery cost the family only $30. Gus' bill came in at more than $16,000, all told — including the $2,755 ER charge. The family was responsible for about $3,600 of the total.

A hospital hiked the price of a routine childbirth by calling it an 'emergency'

10:56am October 27, 2021

by Rae Ellen Bichell

Obstetrical emergency departments are a new aspect of some hospitals that can inflate medical bills for even the easiest, healthiest births. Just ask baby Gus' parents about their $2,755 ER charge.

Youtube, Snapchat and TikTok officials testify to Senators on kids' online safety

7:39pm October 26, 2021

by Shannon Bond

Officials of YouTube, Snapchat and TikTok spoke before a Senate subcommittee looking at the platforms' impact on kids and teens.

FDA may soon authorize the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11. Teens, like the 17-year-old pictured, are already eligible for the vaccine.

Health & Safety

FDA advisory panel recommends Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11

6:32pm October 26, 2021

by Joe Neel

After some debate, a group of scientists advising the FDA concluded that the vaccine's benefits outweigh its risks for young children.

Advisers vote on whether FDA should authorize Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids

5:05pm October 26, 2021

by Selena Simmons-Duffin

A panel of Food and Drug Administration advisors voted on whether the agency should authorize Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11.

Health & Safety

Pediatricians prepare for COVID-19 vaccine rollout for children

5:08pm October 24, 2021

NPR's David Folkenflik speaks with Dr. Noreen Womack, a pediatrician in Idaho, about preparing to vaccinate children in an area where many people are hesitant to vaccination.

Scott Baisley holds his son Sullivan, who was delivered shortly before his mother died of COVID-19.

Despite higher COVID risk, most pregnant Americans remain unvaccinated

11:02am October 23, 2021

by Victoria Hansen

Only a third of pregnant Americans are vaccinated for COVID-19, despite being at far higher risk for complications and death.

Wellesley high schooler Andrew Song plays baritone sax in the jazz band.

With safety in mind, schools are getting their bands back together

6:00am October 23, 2021

by Craig LeMoult

With students back at school this fall, classes sound almost normal — they just look a little different.

Pfizer says its COVID-19 is over 90% effective in kids ages 5-11

4:15pm October 22, 2021

by Allison Aubrey

Pfizer-BioNTech says their COVID-19 vaccine is 90% effective in kids ages 5 to 11. The Food and Drug Administration is likely to decide on emergency authorization as soon as the last week of October.

Pharmacist LaChandra McGowan prepares a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a clinic operated by DePaul Community Health in New Orleans in August. Soon, children ages 5 to 11 could be eligible for Pfizer shots.

Health & Safety

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID vaccine appears more than 90% effective in kids 5 to 11

9:31am October 22, 2021

by Scott Hensley

The companies studied a 10 microgram vaccine dose in children 5 to 11, a third of the dose used for adults, to minimize side effects and because it still prompts a strong immune response.