West Jordan brothers participating in COVID-19 vaccine trial for children

May 6, 2021, 7:30 AM

Former Reporter

WEST JORDAN, Utah — A pair of Utah brothers have volunteered for the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial in children. They’re sharing their experience after recording their symptoms daily through an app provided by the trial.

Brothers both get the vaccine

8-year-old Jackson and 10-year-old Kaden of West Jordan got their first shots last week.

Thankfully, both said any side effects they experienced have been relatively mild.

“I had a sore arm, fatigue and a headache,” explained Kaden Sweeten. “But, I feel fine now. We cannot reach herd immunity if the kids aren’t vaccinated like the adults.”

Both are set to receive their second shot in a month, along with blood draws and monitoring over the next 13 months.

“We are doing something to save the world!”
At 10:00, hear from two Utah kids who are excited to be part of the Moderna vaccine trail…and why their parents felt comfortable signing them up @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/L94HiNyBrt

— Ashley Moser (@AshleyMoser) May 6, 2021

Their mother, Tristen Sweeten, said both boys were eager to participate.

“We have talked to them in-depth about the vaccine trial,” she said. “They know about the side effects, they know about the risk versus the benefits.”

Vaccine trial for children still looking for participants

The trial they’re in has 7,000 participants nationwide and all the volunteers are under the age of 16.

“These guys are heroes,” Velocity Clinical Research V.P. of business development Craig Koch said. “For every student we get, it’s going to happen so much quicker. We are going to get back to some sort of normalcy so much quicker.”

Officials said roughly 75% of participants in the trial are receiving an active vaccine, while the remaining quarter received a placebo.

In fact, Velocity Clinical Research is still looking for additional volunteers.

If your child is interested in participating, more information can be found at velocityclinical.com on the Salt Lake City site.

How To Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 Coronavirus

COVID-19 coronaviruses transmitted from person to person. It is a virus that is similar to the common cold and the flu. So, to prevent it from spreading:

Wash hands frequently and thoroughly, with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
Wear a mask.
Don’t touch your face.
Keep children and those with compromised immune systems away from someone who is coughing or sneezing (in this instance, at least six feet)
If there is an outbreak near you, practice social distancing (stay at home, instead of going to the movies, sports events, or other activities.)
Get a flu shot.
Get vaccinated.