So we are finally here, on the precipice of a possible vaccine for COVID-19. It has been a long 2020 and dealing with COVID has made it an extremely stressful year. At the time you read this article, the US is increasing in the number of COVID cases daily and hitting a high for most cases since we started understanding how the disease spreads. It seems that most people want a vaccine but many are questioning the safety and efficacy of a vaccine that is developed so quickly.
For those of us belonging to communities of color, we are especially cautious of accepting any treatment from the government because of not wanting to be taken advantage of like several instances in American history. Besides, Black women have been dying at an alarming rate during birth and not enough has been done to remedy that. And it is things like this that leave lingering questions in so many people's minds as to whether this vaccine is a safe option or not.
Recently, it was announced that Pfizer in conjunction with BioNTech has suggested that they have a vaccine that could be more than 90 percent effective in preventing COVID-19.
The announcement came after the results from Phase III of a German trial and was reported to be safe with no serious concerns. The trial included 44,000 subjects, spanning six countries, half got a placebo and the other half got a two-regimen of the new vaccine. Out of all the test subjects, only 94 of them contracted COVID-19 but it is unclear how many of them were given the placebo.
What is different about this new vaccine for COVID-19?
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The vaccine has a new technology called mRNA that is a gene-based technology that has never been used before. Normally vaccines are made from dead or weakened strains of an infectious virus. This new technology was developed using the genes of the virus that causes COVID-19, and were analyzed to find the code to the protein that enables it to infect people. The code is then copied into mRNA fragments, which give instruction on how to make proteins, and is then put into a special molecule and injected into a patient. Once inside the body, the proteins replicate and trigger the body to make antibodies against the virus.
That is the very science version of how this vaccine will work and how it compares to other vaccines. This type of vaccine has been in varying stages of development for the flu but has not been approved for use by any regulatory bodies.
Pfizer will continue the trial until it has reached an efficacy rate that the FDA has agreed upon that is enough to tell if the vaccine works or not. They will also continue to push for Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA in the coming weeks.
So, what is next for the Pfizer vaccine?
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Well, a few things. The FDA still needs to approve the vaccine before it can be distributed. Pfizer would like to start administering the vaccine with Emergency Use Authorization by the end of November. Distribution of the vaccine is an obstacle in and of itself:
- The mRNA vaccines can be faster in production than traditional vaccines, however the administration and distribution are complicated because the two doses have to be administered 21 days apart.
- There are some questions as to whether patients would comply and get both doses.
- Also, there may be issues around storage for the vaccine because it needs to be kept at very low temperatures in a special freezer.
It is not yet clear how often people will need to be vaccinated for COVID-19 because studies are still being done on how long the antibodies last at a level to fight off the disease. This could be a once a year vaccine like the flu but the public will have to wait and see.
However, it has been projected that if approved, the vaccince will be generally availabe by 2021 and "free" of charge to Americans.
Featured image by Shutterstock
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The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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