Helotes teen shares the experience of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine research

HELOTES, Texas – A Helotes teenager today feels more confident leaving her home after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I’ve been able to go to more places and hang out with my friends more and not worry so much,” said 14-year-old Hannah Ross, who participated in a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine study conducted by Tekton Research. .

“Nobody gets anywhere without medical tests. If no one is willing to take a chance, no one will benefit from the vaccine. And so, when she said she wanted to do it, I supported myself, ”said Judy Ross, Hannah’s mother.

Hannah received her first injection on December 18, not knowing if it was the vaccine or a placebo.

“I had a fever over 100 for about two days, and then I also had physical pain and chills and fatigue,” she said.

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Hannah got her second chance on January 13.

“The second was just a fever and body aches,” she said.

“She should have blood drawn every three months so she can check her antibody levels and see what they are doing, as well as participate in COVID testing,” said Judy Ross.

Hannah’s parents also received the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We still mask when we go out and we still have social distance, but we don’t have to worry about whether or not we’ll give it to someone else,” said Judy Ross.

Hannah said she feels great and does gymnastics.

“She occasionally goes to the gym about 25 hours a week,” said Judy Ross.

Hannah’s mom said life gets a lot easier if most of the family is vaccinated.

“We’re not concerned if someone isn’t masked or too close,” Judy Ross said.

Moderna has also started testing the vaccine in children under 12, including babies as young as six months old. The clinical trial, the KIDCOVE study, will include approximately 6,750 children in the United States and Canada.

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