January 2022

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Q&A

Dr. Emmanuel Walter on COVID-19 Vaccines and Kids

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Headshot of Dr. Emmanuel WalterDr. Emmanuel “Chip” Walter

Excerpts from our conversation with Dr. Emmanuel “Chip” Walter, chief medical officer at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, who led the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trial in children ages 5 to 12. 

Read the story Is It Flu, COVID-19, Allergies, or a Cold? Staying Healthy This Winter in NIH News in Health.

NIHNiH: Why is it important to vaccinate children against COVID-19?

Walter: There are multiple reasons for children to get vaccinated against COVID. The most important one being that it’s the best way to protect your child’s health. Getting the vaccine protects them from severe illness due to COVID. Certainly, COVID disproportionately affects older adults and adults with underlying conditions. That said, children can also be severely affected by COVID. The number of deaths due to COVID to date in children are about seven tim