Have questions? Contact Us
COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Remain Critically Long among Young Children
As holiday travels & gatherings approach, reducing patients’ risk of infection seems particularly prudent. Pesky pathogens take advantage of celebrations, cancel celebrations or leave some out of celebrations. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a vaccine to prevent or diminish symptoms of the common cold? Even this seemingly mild malady can wreak havoc all on it’s own, irrespective of the secondary bacterial mayhem that could follow.
The good news however, is that there are current vaccines for Influenza, COVID, Pneumonia, and RSV. Some vaccines are more effective than others but all are more effective than doing nothing at all. Understanding not all patients are at equal risk, it is also important to understand these illnesses are not risk free for everyone else.
Physicians may present this idea for their patients’ consideration as well as reviewing the risk of immunization. Lastly, sharing that ACIP recommendations favor protecting human health vs. the minimal risk that may come with immunization can enhance clear expectations and help encourage patients to get vaccinated.
Speaking of risk, highlighting the pediatric population for the moment, during the 23-24 COVID-19 season, the youngest patients ( 0- 4 yrs ) had one of the highest hospitalization rates. Although underlying conditions like asthma etc. hold the highest risk…. 34.6% of children hospitalized for COVID-19 had no underlying condition. Since it is impossible to predict which children will have severe outcomes, helping parents & all patients for that matter, understand their choices can improve their comfort level. Couple this with a strong recommendation from their physician, it should help boost immunization rates and improve human health for everyone, regardless of degree of risk.
Want to learn more about vaccinating the youngest pediatric patients? CLICK HERE for resources.