By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Colorado has reported its first pediatric COVID-19 death of the current respiratory season, a high school-aged child in the Denver area, marking the fifth pediatric death of the virus in 2025. This tragic event underscores the continued severity of COVID-19, particularly for young children who lack prior immunity. Vaccination remains crucial, as studies show it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. However, vaccination rates among young Coloradans are low, highlighting the importance of discussing the vaccine with healthcare providers.
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Colorado’s first child death from COVID-19 this season, unfortunately, brings a somber reality into focus. It’s a stark reminder of the virus’s continued presence and its potential impact, particularly on the most vulnerable among us: children. This tragic event hits hard, especially when we consider the context of relatively low vaccination rates in the state and the ongoing conversation surrounding required shots. It’s a complex situation with a lot of layers, and it’s important to unpack it carefully.
Considering the data available, it’s clear that vaccination plays a crucial role in protecting children. Research from the journal *Pediatrics* reveals that a startlingly small percentage – less than 5% – of children hospitalized for COVID-19 between 2022 and 2024 were up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. Even more concerning, 40% of those hospitalized children had no underlying health conditions. This information underscores the importance of vaccination as a preventative measure. The latest vaccines have been shown to offer significant protection against both severe illness and the need for medical intervention. One study showed an estimated 76% effectiveness against COVID-19-related emergency room or urgent care visits in children aged 9 months to 4 years with healthy immune systems and around 56% effectiveness for children and adolescents aged 5-17 years.
It’s easy to imagine that ignorance or simple laziness might be contributing factors in why a significant portion of parents haven’t gotten their kids vaccinated. Getting children vaccinated against COVID-19 and other preventable illnesses is not only a matter of personal responsibility, but also public health. Parents are the gatekeepers here; they need to take those 30 minutes, annually, to do what’s necessary to protect their children. It’s a conversation that sometimes feels emotionally charged, but it is one that demands to be had openly and honestly.
The emotional weight of these decisions is something I can certainly understand. The struggle to make choices about vaccines that can have far reaching personal implications can cause a lot of stress. I hear someone saying they are holding out their anger at a spouse and regretting having to make difficult life choices that impact their marriage and life. This demonstrates how intensely this issue can affect personal relationships and wellbeing. It’s a reminder that every decision carries a ripple effect, impacting not just the individual, but also the broader family dynamic. The emotional and mental health toll can be significant when a difficult choice is made.
Of course, the discourse surrounding vaccination often gets muddied with misinformation and fear. While there are, of course, legitimate concerns, it’s important to approach these concerns with critical thinking and an awareness of the scientific evidence. For example, the risk of vaccine-associated myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) is often cited as a concern. According to sources like Stanford Medicine, the incidence of myocarditis after mRNA vaccines is low and the condition often resolves itself. In addition, the risk of myocarditis from the actual COVID-19 illness is significantly higher. But, it’s understandable that people make choices about vaccine based on their personal experiences. Ultimately, these are deeply personal decisions, requiring careful consideration of the risks and benefits.
I’m also very aware that access to vaccines can be an issue, depending on where you live. While one person found it effortless to get vaccinated at their local Kaiser clinic, others may face logistical or other obstacles. Being in a red state presents additional challenges, especially with political leanings regarding healthcare. This can impact access to and trust in vaccines and healthcare.
It’s clear, though, that the first child death this season is a powerful warning. We need to have open, honest conversations about vaccination. We have to address the barriers that keep people from getting vaccinated. The most important thing is to ensure that children are protected, and the more layers of protection in place, the better. Flu shots every year still make sense.