Pediatric providers and clinicians share why their children got vaccinated

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently authorized emergency use for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children 12 to 15.

Pediatric providers and clinicians at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn and Park Ridge share why their teen got vaccinated and what they are most looking forward to.

Dr. Mario Sanchez, an Advocate Children’s Hospital neonatologist, was happy to finally have approval for kids 12-15. His 14-year-old daughter got hers immediately, and his 12-year-old son also has an appointment. Dr. Sanchez feels great that his entire family will be fully vaccinated.

Shalanda Lang, a medical assistant at Advocate Children’s Hospital, says watching her 15-year-old daughter get the COVID-19 vaccine was a breath of fresh air. Now everyone in their household is vaccinated, making getting back to normal much easier.

Mary Clark, manager of clinical operations in pediatrics at Advocate Children’s Hospital-Oak Lawn, is pleased her son Eddie is vaccinated. He’s headed to college at DePaul University in the fall.

Patricia Padgurskis, a pediatric physical therapist at Advocate Children’s Hospital, was so relieved to see her daughter be among the first of the kids in her age group to get vaccinated. “I’ve been nervous to pass along COVID-19 to my family. In my job, I serve all the pediatric general floors, clinics and ICUs. Our peds rehab team often treats children with COVID or babies born from mothers who are COVID positive. My daughter wants to be part of the solution, and my other kids can’t wait to get their vaccines!”

Dr. Frank Belmonte, chief medical officer for Advocate Children’s Hospital, took his daughters to get vaccinated on the first day they were eligible. “It’s my job to protect my children, and it’s a great feeling to know I have done that by getting them immunized.”

Amy Gorman, assistant clinical manager of the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) at Advocate Children’s Hospital, says her daughter, who was recently vaccinated, can’t wait for life to get back to normal. She loves to swim and ride amusement park rides. Her daughter has been hoping they’d lift the masking regulation for those who are vaccinated!

Bianca Ausmer, a medical assistant in pediatric neurology at Advocate Children’s Hospital, says she was relieved to see her teenage daughter get the vaccine. “I was also proud of my place of work! The process was well-organized, and the staff was friendly. We are now excited for her to start high school in the fall.”

Advocate Aurora Health is now vaccinating anyone 12 and older in Illinois and Wisconsin. You can schedule in our LiveWell app, online or by phone at 866-443-2584. If you’re scheduling for someone under 18 in LiveWell, make sure your account is connected to your child’s via proxy access. Click here to learn more.