Children ages 5 to 11 could start receiving Covid-19 vaccines as soon as Wednesday. Reluctant parents, even those who got the shot, could be an obstacle.
In announcing its authorization of a lower-dose shot made by Pfizer for the age group, the F.D.A. said that trial data showed the shot was safe and prompted strong immune responses in children.
The most common side effects were fatigue, fever and headache.
But some parents are reluctant to consent, questioning whether a brand-new vaccine is worth it when most coronavirus cases in youngsters are mild.
In an Opinion essay, Dr. Lee Savio Beers, the president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, explains why children should be vaccinated against Covid.
