A Mother’s Protection.

Published on March 14, 2022

All moms want to protect their children, but it’s not always clear how. Hear from “Moms in Action” as they explain what they feel is the importance of implementing safety protocols and the necessary conversations that led them to vaccinate their children against COVID-19.

Why was it important for you to get your child vaccinated?

Councilwoman Olivia Diaz — As a former schoolteacher, I know children share a lot, including viruses. Through the pandemic many of our children’s lives were disrupted by having to go to school virtually and now that they are back in school they should be protected. I vaccinated my child to make sure his body was ready to tackle the COVID virus if he ever caught it. Studies show vaccinations minimize the symptoms of the virus and reduce the likelihood of having to be hospitalized or feeling extremely ill.

Gladys Carpo — As parents we always prioritize our children, and we always want to give them our best; this also includes protecting them. That’s why for us (his dad and I) we don’t doubt that the best thing to protect our son and our family was to get vaccinated.

Kathia Quiros — I wanted my child to be protected and I wanted to teach her to be responsible in protecting her community. Kids don’t like needles, but they love to be kind to others and to themselves and we should teach them how to do it. My daughter accepted the vaccine and the needle in her efforts to protect her family and friends.

“As parents we always prioritize our children, and we always want to give them our best, this also includes protecting them.”

— Gladys Carpo

“A small reward for their courage always helps too.”

— Councilwoman Olivia Diaz

What would you tell another mom in our community who is hesitant about getting their kid(s) vaccinated to consider?

Councilwoman Olivia Diaz — Hesitation is normal and because every child is different, I would encourage moms to speak to their child’s pediatrician. Also, talk with your child about the importance of vaccinations and remind them that you too received the vaccine. Many children are scared of shots so having a discussion to prepare them helps. Try to find other friends or close relatives similar in age group who got vaccinated to encourage your child and share their experience. A small reward for their courage always helps too!

Gladys Carpo — Everyone has the right to decide what is best for them. However, as I mentioned earlier, minimizing the risks of preventable disease is very important. If parents have a doubt about the vaccine, they must educate themselves through a reputable source and be careful of reading misleading news. There’s a lot of it out there.

Kathia Quiros — I would beg them to consider the seriousness of COVID and their ability to avoid death and suffering by giving the vaccine to their children.

Where did you go for more information to learn about the safety of the vaccine?

Councilwoman Olivia Diaz — Luckily, I sit on the Southern Nevada Health District Board. As I participated in monthly meetings, I learned a lot about the different COVID-19 strains and its effects on the community. Also, hearing Dr. Luis Medina, the doctor who oversees the UMC COVID-19 area, say he was looking forward to getting his entire family vaccinated, reassured me that the vaccination was definitely something we should ensure our loved ones get.

Gladys Carpo — I made sure to read news from unbiased sources, such as publications from major medical research publications or news outlets. Luckily, my husband is a doctor and is constantly aware of the science behind it.

Kathia Quiros — Social media news from reputable accounts and government websites.

“I was never hesitant. I was very grateful to live in America where we had access to the vaccine.”

— Kathia Quiros

If you were previously hesitant, what changed your mind?

Councilwoman Olivia Diaz — The presence of the Delta and then the highly contagious Omicron variant pushed me to consider the vaccination for my son. Learning that the changing variants can detrimentally affect the health and well-being of many in our community, especially with some unknown or long-term complications this disease may cause, reassured me that vaccination is crucial in this fight against COVID-19.

Gladys Carpo — I never doubted that I had to opt for the vaccine.

Kathia Quiros — I was never hesitant. I was always grateful that we have brilliant minds in this world working to produce the vaccine and I was very grateful to live in America where we had access to the vaccine.

Our “Moms in Action” understand that hesitation with any new vaccine is natural. But as they did, they encouraged moms in their community to do their research and talk to their doctors to make an informed decision. Ultimately, we can’t take risks with our children when it comes to a virus that can cause serious, even deadly complications. The vaccines can protect people from developing more severe illness, hospitalization, and death and help us get closer to the normal life we all miss prior to COVID.

For more information about vaccines and testing visit www.snhd.info/covid.