ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Many parents will soon have to make a decision on whether to get their kids vaccinated for COVID-19. 

The decision will be up to each family, but Nemours Children’s Health is urging parents to start having that conversation with their kids sooner rather than later.

Cherie DePriest said deciding whether to have her two kids vaccinated is different than when she made that choice for herself.

“I’m a little hesitant to give it to small children because I feel like I’d like to have more information,” she said. “Beforehand, I don’t know how it’s going to affect them later on.”

But she’s glad that in a few weeks her 9- and 11-year-old will both have the option to get vaccinated.

“I like that it’s going to be an option for that age group because I think what we all ultimately want is to get back to normal,” said DePriest.

Right now, there’s only an approved vaccine for kids 12 and older. 

Dr. Tom Lacy, medical director for primary care in Florida for Nemours Children’s Health, said he expects Pfizer’s vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds to be available by the end of October — and said it will be just as safe for children as it is for teens and adults.

“There has never been a vaccine that has had a long-term side effect,” said Lacy.

Lacy said the vaccine may not be available at a child’s pediatrician’s office — parents may have to take their kids to a clinic or public vaccine distribution site, which could be scary for them. 

He said now is the time to start talking about it.

“I think it’s important to start with now and be excited about they’re going to be able to get the vaccine soon — being positive about the vaccine is really, really important,” said Lacy.

Both of DePriest’s children can see the positives.

“Because kids don’t want to wear masks as much as they are right now,” said 9-year-old Caroline DePriest.

“I have asthma and if I got it, the vaccine would help me not have it as bad and I wouldn’t have to worry about it,” said 11-year-old Cade DePriest.

But Cherie DePriest said the decision will ultimately be one her family will make together.

“We’ll have to see what that decision is for us, but we’ll have to make that as a family,” she said.

Lacy said parents can also share their own vaccine experiences with their children, which could help their kids feel more comfortable about getting the shots.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Vaccine Advisory Committee is scheduled to bring up Pfizer’s request on October 26.