Last week the INA hosted an unrecorded webinar where those in attendance were able to ask Dr. Ahrens- Nicklas, MD, PhD, a rare disease pediatrician and scientist, their questions about the COVID Vaccines. We know many of you were able to join us but many more were not able to attend. Since we were unable to record that webinar, we wanted to share some of the resources from that webinar with you here.
We want to stress that INA is not advocating whether you should get the vaccine or not. That is a personal decision concerning you that you will make for yourself and your family. However, we have had a large number of requests for information. Please be sure if you have any specific questions to consult your personal physician.
Also it is important to note that much of the information on how to get the vaccine changes rapidly and may change even more now that we have a new administration in the U.S. We would love to present information from other countries on the vaccination however, we need help identifying sources outside the U.S. If you have a contact that would share any info please contact us.
IF you are looking for information on how to get the vaccine.
The CDC in conjunction with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices offered up suggestions to all states on categories for who should get the vaccination first. The suggestions were made based on risk as well as keeping society and the economy moving. However, each state makes its own suggestions to its citizens based on their population and process in the pandemic. Therefore, every location is different. This is why it is important to check locally for information specific to where you live.
To find out what the process is in your county, do an internet search for the Office of Public Health in your county. Be aware that as the vaccination doses are available, the categories may be changed. For example, you may be eligible in the 1B category now, but if there is a shortage, you may be changed to 1C.
We believe based on the Office of Labor Statistics information that nannies are childcare workers. This definition seems clear, we take care of a child’s basic needs in a home setting. In addition, nannies were designated as essential workers in most parts of the country as our work lets other work be done.
However, we have seen the vaccination guidelines clearly state that in order to qualify for a 1B category, childcare workers need to be working in a center or licensed facility. In addition, it seems that some counties are requiring paperwork such as a license or id tag from work to get the vaccine. In some places, NCS have qualified for category 1A due to their work with newborns and their status as an independent business (they can provide a business card or LLC paperwork).
THE best way to find out is to search in your own county thru the Department of Public Health. Check often as we have seen this info changed almost weekly.
If you want to see a copy of the INA press release explaining why we believe nannies should qualify under the 1b category you can access that HERE.
If you are an INA member, you may print your INA certificate as proof of your membership in a professional child care organization. That has proven helpful in many instances. To do that:
- Go to nanny.org and click “log in” at the top right side of the screen.
- Enter your login information (email memberservices@nanny.org for help with this.)
- Once in, go to “My Account” and then “Membership”.
- You will see a green “Print” button. Click this to either print it to a printer or save it as PDF.
If you are looking for science based information on the vaccine itself:
Here are some recommended web pages with trusted sources of information on the vaccine.
Again, the INA, as an organization, are not advocating for the vaccine. This is not our job. Each person must choose for themselves. We are trying to share science based facts so you have trusted sources at your fingertips. You can feel free to send these links or any of this information to parents, other nannies, family members and the like.
- FDA COVID19 vaccine information:
- CDC COVID19 vaccine information:
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Vaccine Education Center:
- Scripps Research ‘Science, Simplified’:
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Institute for Vaccine Safety:
If you have employment questions on the vaccine and employers:
It is our understanding that nannies can be required by employers to get the COVID vaccine as a term of employment. This is a complex issue and may require some thought on the part of employers. There is more information below.
- Can You Require Your Nanny to Get a COVID-19 Vaccination: GTM
- Can Employers Mandate COVID 19 Vaccine for Employees: USA Today Article
We understand this is a difficult and confusing time. The INA wishes to be a support to the industry during this time. We hope you have found this information beneficial and if there are other questions you have, let us know and we will do our best to answer them.