As the Omicron variant spreads, MFS students are optimistic that receiving the Covid-19 booster shot could give hope for a more safe return to school and daily activities.
Backdrop at Burlington County Covid-19 Vaccine Mega Site for vaccinated individuals to show off their vaccination status. Photo by Alicia Leung ’24.
Covid-19 cases in the community are on the rise, and in response, MFS implemented virtual learning once students returned from winter break. However, MFS returned to in-person learning on Monday, January 10.
On Wednesday, January 5, 2022, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention gathered to discuss the approval of booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 12-15. The CDC meeting was followed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s authorization of the booster for ages 12-15 on Monday, January 3. After the CDC meeting on Wednesday, it was up to the organization’s director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, to finalize the approval. Walensky quickly approved lowering the age requirement and encouraged parents to keep their kids safe by getting the booster. Walensky described the situation of protecting children against the Omicron variant as “critical.” The CDC now recommends that 12-15 year olds get boosted five months after receiving their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine.
Younger MFS students are happy to hear that they are now able to receive the booster: “I think that the booster is definitely a great idea for children, and I am glad it has been approved,” Jewell Jacobs ’24 stated.
Maddie Calixto ’25 shared her thoughts regarding the booster shot and its effect on students’ return to school: “I think that we should get our shots as soon as possible because it would be safer for all of us when we return back to school.” Calixto continued, “There’s a lot to think about, and I feel like getting the booster is a priority so that we can protect ourselves and other people. I feel like it’s a vital thing to get!”
Other students seem to feel the same way as Calixto. Kira Patel ’24 also said she hopes that the booster and current Covid protocols will create a safer school environment. “I think the booster is an important step towards letting us get back to a new normal,” said Patel. “Though even after it raises the efficacy of the vaccine, I still don’t think that masking or any other Covid protocols should let up.”
Dylan Neff ’25 is also thankful for the work that is being done to protect us: “I feel grateful for the scientists who put their time and energy into developing a vaccine and booster for us.”
Students like Skye Mada ’22, who are 16 years and older, already received their boosters. “I recently got my booster before Christmas. I got my booster to protect my older family members and friends, and with Omicron being so widespread, getting the booster brings down the effects of a possible transmission,” Mada said. “I think everyone should get a booster if they are comfortable with it.”
According to the AAP, only about 53% of all 12-17 year olds in the U.S. have been fully vaccinated. As the booster brings new advancements for the fight against Covid-19, students like Jacobs still think that those vaccination rates could be higher as well. “I still think it should be a priority to get people vaxxed at all,” said Jacobs. “It is important to focus on that as well.”
