Dr. Natasha Burgert is a pediatrician based in Overland Park, Kansas, who encourages parents with eligible children to get them vaccinated as soon as possible.
"The bottom line is, this vaccine is safe, this vaccine is effective, and this vaccine is one that I have already scheduled my 11 year-old son to receive as soon as possible." Dr. Burgert explains.
The immune systems of children are generally more effective at preventing disease than the immune systems of postpubescent people. As a result, the doses approved for those aged 5 to 11 are substantially smaller than those taken by adults: just 10 micrograms as opposed to 30 micrograms.
Dr. Burgert answers callers questions as misinformation about the vaccine's efficacy among children is a hurdle that pediatricians are constantly fighting to overcome.
"Our strategy is to beat down the lies, and to tell what we know that the science is showing us," Dr. Burgert says. "There is more data here that we are getting every single day. This body of research is wide and incredibly deep. When you take surface level interpretations or non-expert opinion, its easy to get misled."
Pharmacies across the metro area have begun administering vaccines to this newly eligible group.
- Dr. Natasha Burgert, local pediatrician
