Waiting can be more productive in the long run.
The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to recommend vaccination for all children and adolescents 5 years of age and older, including those who have been previously infected. But jumping from there to a mission is a big step.
Some experts say it would be better to continue focusing on voluntary immunization programs before next fall, especially while the federal government is still pondering full approval of the vaccine. Conversations can take place to address parents’ concerns about vaccine safety. And incentives can be provided.
Dr Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health, said that Covid vaccination rates among children were “basically just stable”.
“One of my concerns is the desire to just fix something with the mission,” she added. “You cannot take shortcuts. We have to figure out why that uptake is like that, and try to address those issues, or else we’ll see a backlash.”
Think about it surpassing the national averageThe vaccination rate of children of primary school age in the city is still quite low. Citywide, 46 percent of children ages 5 to 12 are fully immunized, while 80 percent of 13 to 17 year olds are fully immunized. But these rates vary widely by community and by race, alluding to the profound challenge of carrying out a mission.
For example, 99% of Asian children 5 to 12 years old in New York City are fully immunized, according to city statistics. But only 37% of the city’s white children between the ages of 5 and 12 are like that. Vaccination rates for white children of that age vary widely by county, from 21% in Staten Island to 84% in Manhattan.
Dr Toni Eyssallenne, internist and pediatrician with Strong Children’s Wellness, a medical group based in Queens, said pediatricians are also somewhat divided on the issue of vaccine authorization.
Dr Eyssallenne said a mission would boost vaccination rates. However, she adds, “because this is a relatively new vaccine, some parents may be pulling their children out of school or other activities that could positively affect development.” development, socially and emotionally.”
Lola Fadulu, Emma G. Fitzsimmons and Joseph Goldstein contribution report.
