In a heartfelt appeal, approximately 250 medical professionals have come together to urge the FDA to expedite the approval of COVID vaccinations for children under 5 years old. This open letter highlights the ongoing challenges families face, especially as the highly contagious omicron variant spreads. While vaccines are already available and effective for individuals aged 5 and older, parents of younger children are left feeling vulnerable, constantly assessing risks in their daily lives.
The Urgent Need for Protection
The letter emphasizes the urgent need to protect our littlest ones, stating, “As the Omicron variant surges, parents and doctors are left with no options to shield children under five from COVID-19.” With over 1,000 children in the U.S. under 18 having succumbed to the virus and countless others dealing with severe complications, the situation is alarming. It’s particularly concerning since omicron appears to impact babies and toddlers more severely, creating serious respiratory issues like croup and bronchiolitis.
Concerns from Medical Experts
Dr. Lisa Martin, one of the signatories, pointed out that the lack of prioritization in pediatric trials has resulted in this dilemma. “This is a temporary fix; our focus should be on preventing such crises,” she remarked. Currently, the FDA has been testing a lower dose for the under-5 age group, with mixed results. While younger toddlers responded to the vaccine, preschoolers did not, leading to ongoing trials for higher doses.
Resources for Family Planning
If you’re interested in family planning or at-home insemination, check out the Make A Mom website for their reusable options, or explore how at-home insemination works. You can also join the Make A Mom Facebook group for a supportive community. For more tips and insights, consider visiting March of Dimes for pregnancy resources or read about at-home insemination kits here.
Conclusion
In summary, the call from these physicians highlights the urgent need for COVID-19 vaccinations for young children, advocating for a swift response from health authorities to ensure the safety of our youngest population.
Leave a Reply