With the COVID-19 delta variant is surging in nearly every part of the United States, but most especially in those parts with high rates of unvaccinated people, it is time to regroup, take an account of current evidence and redouble our public health efforts to combat the pandemic.
As a parent of three children, middle school, high school and college age, I share the angst of parents in our community seeking a clear answer about how to balance risks as we move into the new school year.
The balance is between COVID-19 infection risk and the social, emotional, developmental and academic needs of our school-aged children. I am fortunate that my kids are all old enough to qualify for and to have received COVID-19 vaccination, but I acknowledge that this protection will likely not be an option for younger children (younger than 12) until mid-to-late fall of this year. One way to protect our children is to ensure that all eligible household members, school staff members and students are fully vaccinated.
We know that delta variant is affecting children of all ages. We also know that vaccination for people 12 and older, including students, staff members and school visitors continues to be an effective way to prevent serious illness, including hospitalization and death.
In addition to this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends mask wearing for all children K-12 in school. As a pediatrician and a father, I support this approach. In the weeks and months ahead, parents will continue to face difficult decisions. I anticipate that options will increase in this time frame. In the meantime, we must continue to use all of the available public health tools to the fullest extent possible.
Meanwhile, there is new data and guidance for those vulnerable members of our community who suffer from a weakened immune system.
For those with moderate-to-severe immune compromise, the Food and Drug Administration has authorized and the CDC has approved a third dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (Pfizer-BioNTech) at least 28 days after completion of a two-dose series.
This is based on evidence that the vaccine-induced immune response after two doses may be insufficient for people with a solid organ transplant, leukemia, those undergoing chemotherapy, as well as those on immune compromising medications. It is recommended that those with a weakened immune system consult with their medical provider about the potential need for a third dose at this time.
Finally, the Department of Health and Human Services, along with the White House recently announced that it may be necessary for fully vaccinated members of the general population to receive a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine. In the coming weeks, the FDA, CDC and the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices will be reviewing available evidence and making a science-based recommendation.
For now, the single best tool we have to combat COVID-19 is vaccination for all eligible people.
Dr. Matthew A. Clark is a board-certified physician in internal medicine and pediatrics practicing at the Ute Mountain Ute Health Center in Towaoc.
