In these uncertain times, fear has become a common feeling in households everywhere. If you’re apprehensive about sending your children back to school, you’re not alone. If the thought of traveling to visit family fills you with dread, I completely understand. And if you’re hesitant to host playdates or dinners, many feel the same way.
However, some risks cannot be overlooked, even when we feel we’re protecting our children. One critical risk is delaying vaccinations and routine check-ups with their pediatricians. The CDC has released concerning data indicating that vaccination rates for infants and children are declining significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This puts them at increased risk for diseases that can be just as serious—if not more so—than the virus that is currently keeping them at home.
The year 2020 has not started off well for vaccination rates, largely due to the pervasive influence of the anti-vaccine movement, which spreads misinformation and stokes unwarranted fears. States like Washington have recently reported spikes in diseases such as measles, which had previously been under control. As families focus on avoiding COVID-19, the last thing we need is a resurgence of diseases we’ve worked hard to eliminate.
Beyond the anti-vaccine sentiment, many parents are simply too frightened to take their children to the doctor for necessary visits and vaccinations. Adhering to stay-at-home orders has made it easy to avoid these appointments altogether. While this fear is understandable, health professionals are urging parents to recognize the importance of well-visits and vaccinations as essential for their children’s health, comparable to practices like hand-washing and wearing masks.
It’s imperative that we protect our children from all potentially harmful, transmissible diseases. The CDC reports alarming statistics from Michigan; since the national emergency was declared, the number of vaccine doses administered to children has dropped by 22%, with a 16% decrease for those under two. Less than half of five-month-olds are up to date on their vaccinations, a stark contrast to the typical two-thirds who usually are.
This issue is not confined to Michigan. The CDC indicates that from mid-March to mid-April, approximately 2.5 million fewer doses of routine non-influenza vaccines were ordered nationally, including 250,000 fewer doses of measles vaccines compared to the same timeframe in 2019.
Doctors are understandably alarmed. Dr. Alan R. Greene, a member of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society, expresses deep concern over the potential for outbreaks stemming from these vaccination shortages. Dr. Mary Collins, president of the Academy of Pediatrics, echoes this worry and emphasizes the necessity for families to schedule appointments to catch up on immunizations.
Moreover, routine visits aren’t solely about vaccinations; they also include crucial health assessments like physical exams and developmental screenings that are essential for children’s overall well-being. Missing these visits puts kids at risk in various ways.
To combat these issues, pediatricians are implementing multiple strategies to ensure children receive the care they need during the pandemic. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended scheduling well and sick visits at different times, segregating patients in separate areas, and rigorously sanitizing their facilities. They are also working to reassure families about the safety measures being taken in medical offices.
Dr. Greene wants parents to know that pediatric offices remain among the safest environments due to their extensive precautions against COVID-19 transmission. It is vital that parents do not let fear deter them from seeking necessary medical care for their children.
As restrictions begin to ease, children remain vulnerable to contagious diseases. The CDC stresses that even amid the ongoing pandemic, maintaining vaccination schedules is crucial to prevent outbreaks of serious vaccine-preventable diseases. Therefore, alongside pediatricians, parents must proactively ensure their children receive timely well-checks and vaccinations.
It’s essential to recognize that there are other significant risks to our children beyond COVID-19. Dr. Collins reminds us, “While we await a vaccine for the coronavirus, let’s work together to safeguard our children in every way possible now.” For more information on navigating these challenges, you can check out this useful resource on health care during the pandemic.
In summary, while it’s natural to feel fear in these uncertain times, we must prioritize our children’s health by keeping up with their vaccinations and well-child visits. By doing so, we can protect them not only from COVID-19 but from other preventable diseases.
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