As students prepare to return to the classroom in the fall for in-person learning, local pediatricians are recommending families take time this summer to ensure their children will be protected against various viruses, including COVID-19. Families should check with their pediatricians to see if they are up to date on immunizations, said Dr. Erin Fletcher, the Pediatrics Department chair for Beebe Healthcare. Several pediatrician offices were closed at various points during the state’s shutdown caused by the pandemic. Children under age 12 are currently not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, although this could change by fall, as Pfizer is conducting clinical trials for its vaccine in that population. For now, Dr. Fletcher said the best way to protect youths under 12 is for the adolescents and adults in their lives to get vaccinated and for children to wear a mask and socially distance when inside with other unvaccinated people. The state is still awaiting guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for social-distancing and mask-wearing regulations for next school year.
- Experimental vaccines should be a concern! — Howard Gaines III
- Our government really enjoys getting doctors to promote child abuse under the guise of “health and safety,” telling children they are going to kill their vaccinated grandparents unless they get a vaccine and must wear a mask for years “just because.” This is insanity. Mandates for K-12 coming 2022. — Beth Gallagher
- Children should not be vaccinated for COVID. — Denise Pettingill
- The concern should be why they don’t seem to care about the 300 kids who developed heart conditions that were since downplayed. If immunity was a true concern, you would be testing for antibodies, which we are not even doing in the least bit. We kind of forgot because of “science” that you can carry natural immunity, so why not test for antibodies first? — Christopher Joyce
- The article isn't even about the COVID vaccine. It's about the possibility of missed vaccinations for kids. It says: "Families should check with their pediatrician to see if they are up to date on immunizations, said Dr. Erin Fletcher, DO, Beacon Pediatrics and the pediatrics department chair for Beebe Healthcare. Several pediatrician offices were closed at various points during the state’s shutdown cause by the pandemic. “The biggest concern I have regarding the effects on the immune system following the pandemic, is missed immunizations. Some pediatric offices shut down for a period of time, many parents were afraid to take their children to the pediatrician. This resulted in missed well visits and immunizations. I strongly urge parents to check with their pediatrician and make sure that all vaccines are up to date for their child, and get them into the office if they are not." — Samie Lee
