Dear Readers: As I am drafting this column, the COVID vaccine is being made available to teenagers and children as young as 12. Here are some things to know:
- The vaccine being given to children is the same, and the same strength, as the one being given to adults. As with the adult version, two doses are necessary.
Side effects? They're the same as with adults: possible headache, fatigue and injection-site pain. Younger kids experienced a bit more severe pain than older teens. Anaphylaxis was rare but did present.
It will be up to your state government whether the COVID vaccine is required for students returning to the classroom this fall.
Interaction with other vaccines has not been widely studied.
Vaccinating even younger children will require more research. Adjusting the dosage is necessary.
Talk to your doctor and visit CDC.gov, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's official website, for current information. - Heloise
Tech Talk
Dear Readers: A watch-like device, a lifestyle monitor can measure how many steps you take during the day. Measurement of your heart rate, calories consumed, your temperature and even the quality of your sleep can all be checked. There are even trackers that can remind you when to take your medications. You most commonly sync your device to a computer or a smart phone app. - Heloise
King Features Syndicate