Yes, as it’s important to maintain their regular childhood vaccine schedule.
The pandemic has been with us for over a year and a half, at the time of this writing. In some places around the world, business is running again as usual, including trips to the doctor’s office. In others, however, virtual appointments still reign supreme, and it can be difficult to know when you should give your doctor a call and press to see them in person.
Of course, if you think you may have COVID-19, go get tested and seek out medical attention immediately for the right advice.
But what about calling up your doctor for when you have a mild earache? Or, trying to make an appointment for a routine checkup? Are these things valid while people are losing their lives and things like cancer treatments are having to be put on hold to tend to those in ICUs fighting to survive the scourge of COVID-19?
Decisions can be tough to make. When it comes to routine healthcare for your children, experts are saying it’s still important to stay on track, however.
Staying up-to-date with childhood vaccinations
One of the most pressing reasons you should still be taking your children to see their family doctor or pediatrician is that it’s important they maintain their regular vaccination schedule.
According to The Washington Post, data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed many parents have stopped taking their infants to the doctor. This is likely due to the pandemic. The result is, the percentage of children who were up-to-date with their routine vaccines in the US in May 2020 dropped under 50% for kids two years old and younger. That’s alarming.
In New York City around the same time, Mayor Bill de Blasio said that vaccination rates for children aged two and up had actually fallen by 91%.
Related: How Long Were Other Pandemics?
While you might fear your child could catch COVID-19 from a trip to the doctor’s office, know that they likely will not. Doctors, including pediatricians, should be following pandemic protocols that involve keeping their medical clinic clean, disinfected, and safe. Doctors should be wearing appropriate PPE in order to protect themselves and their patients. The time taken to get your child examined and vaccinated is usually just minutes, limiting possible exposure. The benefits of staying up to date with routine vaccines in this case outweigh the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Increased outbreaks
The trouble is, by not getting your child vaccinated on time for things like whooping cough and the measles, you risk having them fall sick. Many parents delaying vaccinations nationwide could also lead to increased disease outbreaks. Scientists say, should vaccination rates for diseases like measles fall below the 93% to 95% threshold, while still high, outbreaks could increase.
The vast majority of children who do catch COVID-19 have a mild case. Yes, there are children who have been hospitalized with the novel coronavirus, especially with the Delta version, and even those who have died. These cases are rare, however.
Protecting your child against the host of potentially deadly and disfiguring diseases that routine childhood vaccinations provide protection for is vital.
Yes, your child should still go to the doctor.
photo credits: Guschenkova/Shutterstock.com
