genetic syndrome or who are too young to be vaccinated; and unvaccinated teens who are overweight or obese.
As in adults, vaccination offers significant protection to children, but just half of the nation’s 12- to 18-year-olds and 16% of 5- to 11-year-olds are fully vaccinated, according to the CDC.
“We are not seeing many vaccinated children needing hospitalization, even among those high-risk children,” Ericson adds.
She notes that between 2% and 5% of kids need to be admitted to the hospital for a COVID-related problem.
“You don’t know if your child will end up being in that group or not,” Ericson says. “Why not reduce that risk with a vaccine that’s been proven safe and very effective at preventing serious illness and complications?”
More kids at risk for diabetes
That includes diabetes. A recent CDC study found that children and teens who had COVID are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes within the month after infection compared to kids who have not had the virus.
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How to protect your child from COVID
Ericson offered some advice for parents as they try to protect their children from COVID-19.
When your child is invited to a birthday party, playdate or new setting, ask yourself: Is this the right time for my child to go here? Base your decision on the answers to questions such as these: Does a vulnerable person live with us? Is the event outdoors? What precautions will be in place?
Familiarize yourself with school guidelines for quarantining and masking and decide if you want more protective measures for your child. The school policy is the minimum, and parents should feel free to make the best choice based on their child’s symptoms and circumstances.
“Overall, I think it’s useful for us to hold all our plans loosely,” Ericson says “Make plans, but if someone is ill or was exposed or you know people won’t be wearing masks, change your plans and let your kids know you’re doing your best to keep everyone as safe and healthy as you can.”