Childhood vaccinations plunge since Covid-19 pandemic
CNNCNN — Childhood vaccinations have plunged since the Covid-19 pandemic began spreading through the United States, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday. “As social distancing requirements are relaxed, children who are not protected by vaccines will be more vulnerable to diseases such as measles.” The Washington State Department of Health said providers in the state vaccine program had reported they gave out 30% fewer vaccines in March of this year compared to previous years. “We want to reassure all our families that pediatricians have innovated ways to make visits even safer, including setting different hours or locations for well and sick children, rigorous sanitation and cleaning practices, and conducting portions of visits by telehealth.” The AAP published new recommendations Friday for pediatricians to help keep kids safer during the pandemic. “Pediatricians should identify children who have missed well-child visits and/or recommended vaccinations and contact them to schedule in person appointments inclusive of newborns, infants, children, and adolescents,” the AAP said. “Pediatricians should work with families to bring children up to date as quickly as possible.” Offices and clinics can schedule well-child visits at different times of the day from sick visits, the group suggested.