Houston mom who contracted COVID while 7 months pregnant hesitant about vaccine for her kids
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The COVID-19 vaccine is only available for kids 16 and older right now, while vaccine trials are still underway for kids up to 6 months old.
However, some parents already have their doubts, including a Houston mother of five, who battled COVID while her toddler was fighting the virus, too.
READ: Vaccine trial for children under 12 years old available in Houston
Secara Hadley was seven months pregnant when she found out she had COVID-19. She was placed on a ventilator.
"From that point, I just felt like my life was just over," said Hadley. "My whole thing was me losing my baby while I was pregnant because I had heard so many stories beforehand about most pregnant women not making it."
On top of all of that, Hadley's 4-year-old son had tested positive for COVID, too.
About eight weeks after her initial diagnosis, Hadley gave birth to a healthy 8-pound baby girl named Genesis.
For Hadley, her COVID battle is a nightmare she never wants to relive, but it stays on her mind as she now considers the vaccine, not only for herself but also her children.
She's hesitant to get her kids vaccinated.
"I'm really scared of what I went through," said Hadley. "I'm really scared that they are going to get sick too even with the vaccine."
Dr. Melanie Mouzoon with Kelsey-Seybold Clinic wants parents to consider the fall school semester.
"When we're all back together again in school, I think the risk of transmission is going to be much greater," said Mouzoon. "Children have a good robust immune response to vaccines that are similar to the COVID vaccine that we have now."
Mouzoon told ABC13 that she understands parents' concern.
Still, she recommends children get the COVID-19 vaccine when it's available. She also urges parents with children who have pre-existing conditions like diabetes and asthma to sign their kids up for the vaccine trial.
Above all, Mouzoon urges parents to consult their child's pediatrician concerning the COVID vaccine.
SEE ALSO: COVID-19 vaccines provide protection for pregnant and lactating women, newborns: Study
