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The case for COVID-19 vaccines for healthy kids falls apart

February 28, 2022 By Nicholas Kerr Leave a Comment

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at this headline:

Pfizer’s COVID shot far less effective in ages 5-11 than in older kids

It certainly makes one question why it was rushed out for kids, given everything else we knew at the time about the risks of COVID for this age group. Surely it would have been good for parents to have this information in advance of making decisions.

It also makes one wonder, not for the first time, why the US recommends it for all kids. Sweden, Norway, the U.K. and other countries that have decided against recommending it for healthy kids under 12 look all the wiser with this news.

Key quote from the article linked to above:

It still prevents severe illness in the children, but offers virtually no protection against infection, even within a month after full immunization…

But let’s recall that the NY Times wrote this in October:

For children without a serious medical condition, the danger of severe Covid is so low as to be difficult to quantify.

In other words, Matt Welch got it right when he wrote:

So the "benefits" of vaccinating kids is that kids will be vaccinated; otherwise nothing changes…https://t.co/9prs5LyhDC

— reason (@reason) October 21, 2021

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Filed Under: Random Rants Tagged With: COVID-19

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About the Author

Nicholas Kerr is a Dallas-based marketing and loyalty executive, currently leading loyalty and CRM marketing for Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy at Brinker International. Previously, he led Microsoft Rewards and held senior leadership positions in consumer marketing and loyalty.

Raised in New Zealand, Nicholas writes The Kerrant, sharing his perspectives on economics, public policy, business, technology, and life. His commentary has appeared in National Review, The Washington Examiner, The Australian, The Australian Financial Review, and New Zealand newspapers including the Otago Daily Times. He has also addressed Chambers of Commerce, think tanks, and other organizations in Seattle and Dallas.

The views expressed on The Kerrant are entirely his own and do not necessarily reflect those of Brinker International, his employers (past or present), or any other organization with which he is affiliated. Read More…

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© 2026 Nicholas Kerr · The Kerrant
All opinions expressed on this website are my own and should not be attributed to Brinker International, my past or present employers, or any other organization with which I am affiliated.