The NPR Politics Podcast Most Kids Still Can't Get The Vaccine. They Represent 18% Of New Cases.
Aug 17, 2021
Hospitals are nearing capacity as unvaccinated individuals, particularly children, account for a significant proportion of new COVID-19 cases. The push for vaccine access for kids under twelve intensifies amid school reopenings. Experts call for quicker vaccine approvals to address health concerns. Meanwhile, booster shots are discussed alongside the challenges posed by the Delta variant. As schools prepare, mitigation strategies like masking and social distancing become essential to protect young learners.
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Booster Shot Recommendations
- Federal officials will likely recommend booster shots eight months after the second dose for people who received mRNA vaccines.
- This is based on Israeli data showing reduced vaccine effectiveness in older people vaccinated early on.
Delta Variant and Children
- The highly contagious Delta variant is causing more children to get sick with COVID-19.
- While most cases are mild, the increased infection rate leads to more instances of severe inflammatory disease.
Vaccinating Children
- Due to increased pediatric COVID-19 cases and school reopenings, pediatricians are urging the FDA to authorize vaccines for children aged 5-11.
- Schools are trying to stay open despite the surge, emphasizing mitigation measures.