8-16-2022 11:28am

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, VACCINATION TRENDS

Anita Johnson-Brown Editor

HEALTH-Your child's health is important especially since school is back in session. Due to the perils of COVID-19, and its variants along with other viruses and diseases that may be contagious, keep your child safe and healthy by scheduling normal checkups, and making sure immunizations are up to date. Encourage and instruct them on hand washing techniques, using methods of universal precautions. If your child experiences any symptoms of illness, see your Child's health provider immediately.

Written by Anita johnson-Brown

View this report from The American Academy of Pediatrics

A COVID-19 vaccine is now available for everyone ages 6 months and older, offering peace of mind to parents of young children, especially in communities where masking and other safety precautions have been dropped. Millions of children have already been vaccinated for COVID, and the safety data is very reassuring. There is good evidence the vaccine works well to protect children from the worst effects of the disease, including MIS-C. AAP strongly recommends the vaccine for everyone who is eligible, including boosters for those ages 5 and older. Routine wellness visits and pre-participation exams (sports physicals) are a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to make sure children are up to date on all immunizations, including the COVID-19 series.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, drawing on data posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is tracking the progress in vaccinating U.S. children under age 18. The report is updated every Monday.

As of Aug. 10, the CDC reported 1 million U.S. children ages 6 months-4 years old who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, representing 6% of all U.S. children between 6 months and 4 years. About 16.4 million children 6 months-4 years old had yet to receive their first COVID-19 vaccine dose.

As of Aug. 10, CDC recorded 10.5 million U.S. children ages 5-11 who have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, representing 37% of 5- to 11-year-olds. Of those, 8.5 million children ages 5-11 completed the 2-dose vaccination series, representing 30% of 5- to 11-year-olds.

As of Aug. 10, 17.4 million U.S. children and adolescents ages 12- 17 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, representing 69% of 12-17 year-olds. Of those,14.9 million children and adolescents ages 12- 17 completed the 2-dose vaccination series, representing 59% of 12- to 17-year-olds.

Child vaccination rates vary substantially across states. AAP recommends that all eligible children and teens be vaccinated to prevent COVID-19.

For more information, go to Children and COVID-19 Vaccination Trends (aap.org)

This report was shared by the AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS and was updated to add word articles.