Swimming is a great way to beat the summer heat here in Arizona and is a fun activity for children to pass the summer by. Drowning is the third most common cause of unintentional – injury related deaths. Among children aged 1-4, drowning stands as the leading cause of unintentional deaths, placing them at the greatest risk. As such, we here at NOAH wanted to share some important water safety tips!
Never leave children alone, even for a moment, in or near pool areas or other bodies of water (lakes, beaches, and even bathtubs or buckets of water)!
Install a fence at least 4 feet tall around the pool, which should ideally surround the pool on all 4 sides and completely separated the pool from your home and yard. It should not have any gaps that a small child could slip over, under, or through. The gate should be a self-closing and self-latching gate that cannot be opened / reached by a small child.
Newer technology offers alarms, both for the gate and within the pool, that can alert you to anyone around the pool.
When any inexperienced swimmer is around the pool area, make sure there is a designated adult for supervision. This adult should not be under the influence, should not have any distractions (cell phone turned off or handed off to another adult), and preferably knows how to swim and perform CPR.
Keep rescue equipment such as a shepherd’s hook and a life preserver to reach / throw for rescues.
Avoid inflatable swim aids such as floaties, as they are not a substitution for proper life-preserving equipment such as life jackets.
Consider swim lessons for your child if over the age of 1, as it may reduce the risk of drowning. Talk to your NOAH Pediatrician about your child’s developmental readiness to take swim lessons.
Talk to your pool operator to make sure your pool / spa and its drains are compliant with the pool and spa safety act.
At NOAH, we want to make sure that you have the proper tools, education and resources to protect you and your family while swimming. Most importantly, we hope you have a safe and fun-filled summer!
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/mom-and-daughter-play-in-the-pool-in-the-backyard-2022-11-15-08-57-33-utc.jpg12801920Christina Henninghttps://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NOAH_Website_Logo_340.pngChristina Henning2023-06-20 14:10:192023-06-20 14:10:19Summer Fun – Pool Safety Tips
It’s that time of year again! The cooler weather is among us, nights are getting longer, and families are even busier than usual as the holidays approach. It’s also the time of year when children start coming down with symptoms of colds or other respiratory illnesses. While most of these symptoms will turn out to be simple colds and resolve on their own, there are some related illnesses that can be more serious.
The Common Cold: Also Known as an Upper Respiratory Infection
The common cold is caused by several different viruses and is the most common of all the respiratory illnesses. On average, children under the age of two will have three to five colds per year. Children who are in daycare or school-aged children are likely to get sick even more often, because they are exposed to lots of other children on a daily basis. Fortunately, most of these illnesses are just colds and will go away on their own.
Symptoms of the Common Cold
Low fever (101-102 degrees F).
Runny nose, nasal congestion, and/or sneezing
Sore throat
Cough
Lack of appetite
Fussiness
Symptoms can last up o 14 days but most children feel better within 7-10 days.
When to Worry with the Common Cold
While the majority of children will not need to be see a medical provider for the common cold, you should seek immediate assistance if your child:
Is an infant under 3 months old
Has trouble breathing or fast breathing – using their muscles in between their ribs to breathe or the openings of the nose get larger with every breath
Nails or lips turn blue
Symptoms last longer than 10-14 days
Is dehydrated or not drinking or urinating well
Is too sleepy or very fussy and not consolable
Has ear pain
Has any other symptoms or continues to get worse
Treatment for the Common Cold
Antibiotics do not treat the common cold since it is caused by a virus
Increased fluids
Use of pain/fever medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
Nasal saline with suctioning for congestion
Honey for cough in a child OLDER than 1 year (NEVER give honey to a child under the age of 1)
Use of a humidifier may provide relief
The Flu: Also Called Influenza
The flu is also caused by respiratory viruses called influenza and can present very similar symptoms to the common cold. However, children with the flu feel much worse and are sicker than with the flu than the common cold. The flu can have very serious complications including need for hospitalization and sometimes death.
Symptoms of the Flu
Rapid onset of high fever (above 101 degrees F)
Chills
Headache or other body aches
Runny nose, nasal congestion
Chest pain and cough
Sore throat
Poor appetite
Feeling tired and weak
Most children will get better after two weeks. Fevers from the flu can last up to seven days.
When to Worry with the Flu
Flu symptoms can lead to serious complications that require immediate medical treatment. You should seek assistance if your child:
Has trouble breathing or fast breathing – using their muscles in between their ribs to breathe or the openings of the nose get larger with every breath
Nails or lips turn blue
Is dehydrated or not drinking or urinating well
Is too sleepy or very fussy and not consolable
Has ear pain
Has any other symptoms or continues to get worse
Young children, infants, and children with high-risk medical conditions who are having flu symptoms should see their pediatrician as soon as possible. High-risk medical conditions may include:
Heart defects
Chronic lung issues
Asthma
Weakened immune system
Diabetes
Cancer
Treatment for the Flu
Increased fluids
Use of pain/fever medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Nasal saline with suctioning for congestion.
Honey for cough in a child OLDER than 1 year (NEVER given honey to children under the age of 1)
Use of humidifier may provide relief
Outside of supportive care, there is an antiviral medication called Tamiflu which may be prescribed if the flu is diagnosed within the first 1-2 days of onset.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis is another respiratory illness that is common during the winter months. There are several viruses that can cause this illness, but RSV, also known as Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is the most common. RSV is an infection that will affect almost all children under the age of 2 at least once. It usually starts as a cold and within 3-5 days of the onset of the illness is followed by lower respiratory symptoms. For some children the illness can be severe, especially in younger infants, preemies, and those with heart or lung defects.
Symptoms of Bronchiolitis
Cold symptoms with fever, runny nose, nasal congestion, and cough
Fussiness
Poor appetite
Wheezing
Difficulty breathing
When to Worry with Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitis symptoms can lead to serious complications that require immediate medical treatment. You should seek assistance if your child:
Has trouble breathing or fast breathing – using their muscles in between their ribs to breathe or the openings of the nose get larger with every breath
Nails or lips turn blue
Is dehydrated or not drinking or urinating well.
Child is too sleepy or very fussy and not consolable
Has ear pain
Has any other symptoms or continues to get worse
Treatment for Bronchiolitis
Increased fluids
Use of pain/fever medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Nasal saline with suctioning for congestion.
Honey for cough in a child OLDER than 1 year (NEVER given honey to children under the age of 1)
Use of humidifier may provide relief
For infants who are high risk there is an injection that is given monthly during the winter months called Synagis that can decrease the risk of severe RSV infection.
Croup
Croup is another respiratory illness that is common during the fall and winter months and is usually seen in infants and children under 5. Croup is caused by several different viruses including the flu virus and some cold viruses. The illness is characterized by swelling of the upper airways including the voice box (larynx) and the windpipe (trachea). Symptoms from croup are usually worse at the beginning of the illness.
Symptoms of Croup
Fever which can be low grade or high
Cold symptoms with runny nose and nasal congestion
Hoarseness of voice
“Barky” or “seal like” cough
Noisy breathing called stridor, a high-pitched, turbulent sound when a child inhales or exhales
When to Worry with Croup
The swelling of the airway can sometimes be severe and need immediate medical attention. You should seek assistance if your child:
Has trouble breathing – struggles to catch their breath
Has noisy breathing that is getting louder and child/infant appears to struggle to breathe
Cannot talk because of difficulty breathing
Nails or lips turn blue
Is drooling and not able to swallow saliva
Is dehydrated or not drinking or not urinating well
Is too sleepy or very fussy and not consolable
Treatment for Croup
Steroids can decrease the swelling and can be given by mouth, injection, or in a breathing treatment. If given early steroids can help decrease the need for hospitalization and improve breathing. For severe cases, a breathing treatment with epinephrine may be administered, but this requires careful observation in the emergency department or hospital setting.
Use of cold moist air can help improve mild symptoms as well and can be used at home with a cool mist humidifier.
Tips to Keep Your Child Healthy and Well
For all respiratory infections, the best form of prevention is to avoid exposing infants or young children to large crowds or people who are sick.
Breastfeeding infants as long as possible (at least 6-12 months) is also an important way to help prevent and fight infections because breastmilk provides antibodies.
Practicing and teaching children good hand hygiene is key.
Use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds (sing the ABCs, Baby Shark, or another fun tune). Another option is the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if hands are not visibly soiled.
Teach children to cover their coughs and sneezes properly by using a tissue or coughing in their arm rather their hands.
Keep children home from daycare or school when they are sick to avoid spreading the illness.
Eating a healthy balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables can help boost the immune system and decrease the chances of getting sick.
If you have questions about these or other common childhood illnesses, talk to your NOAH provider. If at any time you’re not sure what to do, you can also call our Nurse Triage for immediate advice.
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Mom-reading-temp-of-sick-daughter_cough-and-cold.jpg565848Christina Henninghttps://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NOAH_Website_Logo_340.pngChristina Henning2022-11-01 09:32:402022-11-02 16:22:33Is Your Child Feeling Sick? When is a Cold Not a Cold?
Flu season is around the corner and NOAH is ready to keep you and your family protected. We know that with COVID there might be additional questions about the virus, symptoms, and the vaccines. NOAH has you covered with these top five things to know about flu season.
1. Flu Season is Almost Here
Flu season officially starts in October and can last through May of the following year. But the peak of flu usually happens around December through March with February being the month that often has the most flu cases nationwide.
2. Try These Safety Measures Stop the Flu
Many of the things we continue to do to slow or stop the spread of COVID like extra hand washing, more antibacterial gels and wipes, staying home when sick, and wearing masks (especially if sneezing or coughing), will help reduce the flu as well!
3. The Flu Vaccine Helps
Every year, flu shot manufacturers identify the strains of influenza A and B that pose the most risk for the coming season. Flu shots also include H1N1, and because of flu shots, H1N1 isn’t causing outbreaks anymore. Flu shots are adjusted every year with new influenza (flu) strains because it mutates like all viruses.
4. Flu Shots are Optimized by Age Group
Children are a high-risk group with flu so anyone 6 months and older should get the flu shot. When children under eight are getting the flu vaccine for the first time ever, they will need to have two doses, given four weeks apart. The following flu seasons will be just one dose.
A high-dose flu vaccine made specifically to support the more fragile immune system of people ages 65 and up is also available during flu season.
5. Flu Shots and COVID Shots Can Go Together
The CDC says that it is safe to get the flu and COVID vaccines/boosters at the same time. If you have any concerns about potential side effects or changes in effectiveness of the vaccines if given together we suggest talking to your NOAH provider to come up with a vaccine plan that is right for you. NOAH is administering bivalent COVID boosters along with flu vaccines in all of our health centers.
Almost everyone can and should get the flu shot every year. Even people with egg allergies can talk with their healthcare providers about egg-free vaccine options. The only people who shouldn’t get vaccinated for the flu are patients under 6 months old or someone with history of an anaphylactic reaction to the flu shot or one of its components.
The CDC has a lot of information about flu season including updated flu cases and vaccine activity on their website here. If you have questions about the flu vaccine or want to schedule your appointment, contact NOAH today!
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The demands for back to school can be overwhelming when it comes to backpacks, haircuts, and new outfits, but many students are also in need of required vaccinations, well child checks, or sports physicals.
NOAH is easing the stress of back to school health needs with our Wellness Bundle. This visit takes about an hour and is your “one and done” health exam for back to school. Schedule one appointment and see multiple providers who will examine your child’s health needs in the following areas:
Medical & Immunizations
Dental
Nutrition
Emotional Health
Community Resources
Any recommended follow-up care will be noted and then scheduled when it’s convenient for you.
Wellness Bundle appointments are available for children of any age at NOAH’s Desert Mission and Palomino Health Centers from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the following dates:
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Back-to-School-Wellness-Bundle_TheBeat_072122.jpg600600Christina Henninghttps://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NOAH_Website_Logo_340.pngChristina Henning2022-07-22 11:22:432022-08-03 14:24:06Back to School Wellness Bundle
Your infant should always sleep on his or her back. Placing your infant on their side or stomach to sleep can increase the risk of SIDS.
Use a firm sleeping surface that meets the safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Soft mattresses increase the risk of suffocation.
Infants should sleep in their own crib or bassinet. Sleeping in a bed with others, such as co-sleeping with a parent, can increase the risk of SIDS.
Your infant can sleep in the same room as the parent(s) on a separate, safe surface for at least the first 6 months of their life. This can reduce the risk of SIDS by up to 50%.
Crib bumpers, loose blankets, and stuffed animals all increase the risk of sudden death and suffocation, and these items should not be placed in the infant’s sleeping area.
Tobacco smoke, alcohol, and illicit drug use in the household all increase the risk of SIDS. It is important to set boundaries with other family members and friends to not expose your child to secondhand smoke.
Breastfeeding has been shown to decrease the risk of SIDS. It is recommended to breast feed until at least 6 months of age.
Avoid overheating your infant. Usually, an infant only needs one more layer of clothing than you do. If you are comfortable in a t-shirt for example, then the infant is likely comfortable in a onesie plus another layer, like their swaddle blanket. Signs of overheating include sweating or your infant’s chest feeling hot to touch.
Although there is no way to completely prevent SIDS, these things can greatly reduce the risk. If you have any questions about SIDS, your NOAH doctor is here for you and your baby. Click here to make an appointment today.
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cute-baby-girl-lying-in-the-crib-Safe-Sleep-e1655157629782.jpg8011200Katy Reevehttps://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NOAH_Website_Logo_340.pngKaty Reeve2022-01-03 21:50:442022-01-03 21:50:458 Tips to Help Prevent SIDS
While the same vaccine, the dosage children 5 to 11 will receive is 1/3 the dose those 12 and older receive. The second dose of the vaccine will be 21 days after the first dose. NOAH will schedule the second dose appointment when patients schedule the first dose for their child.
More Questions About COVID Vaccines for Children?
NOAH has put together some of the most common questions about COVID vaccines for children.
COVID-19 vaccines are free, and no insurance is required. For individuals under 18, parental consent is required. ID is required for parent or guardian and can include any government-issued ID.
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/5-11-kid-vaccine-scaled-e1655157785566.jpg8001200Katy Reevehttps://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NOAH_Website_Logo_340.pngKaty Reeve2021-11-15 16:04:572021-11-22 12:12:10NEWS: COVID Vaccines for Children Age 5 – 11 at NOAH
August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month and the perfect time to share one of the most common conditions of pediatric eye health, strabismus. Strabismus is the fancy medical term for when eyes don’t naturally look at the same place. This is also known as lazy eye and can cause issues like double vision that can negatively affect your child.
Tips to help children with eye health
Make sure you attend all your child’s well-child appointments, and all follow-up appointments with your family doctor or pediatrician to catch this issue early on.
Always feel comfortable asking your child’s doctor questions and telling them concerns like if you see something “funny” with the movement of your child’s eye. You know your child best!
If either parent had a lazy eye or was crossed eye, your child has a higher risk. Tell your child’s doctor of a family history of eye or vision issues.
Does your child bump into things when they are walking or crawling? That could be a sign that they have vision issues that you should talk to their doctor about.
The sooner you have it diagnosed, the better! Knowing if there is a problem and addressing it will help your child’s vision and development.
Treating a child can prevent amblyopia – where the brain favors the “good eye” making the lazy eye even worse. Half of children with a lazy eye will develop amblyopia, which is still treatable. But the sooner, the better!
Treatments usually include eyeglasses, visual exercises, and/or an eye patch over the “good eye” to increase the use of the other eye. Occasionally, surgery is needed on the muscles in the lazy eye that help it move.
The best way to help your child with their eye and vision health is to catch it early. Knowing these signs and learning a few more here, will help parents, family, and any babysitters or caregivers. Vision and eye health is so important to their overall development, so keep an eye on your child’s eyes!
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/kids-eye-vision.jpg565848Katy Reevehttps://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NOAH_Website_Logo_340.pngKaty Reeve2021-08-31 12:29:032021-09-01 10:30:47The Importance of Children’s Eye Health
Flu season is around the corner and NOAH is ready to keep you and your family protected. We know that with COVID there might be additional questions about the virus, symptoms, and the vaccines. NOAH has you covered with these top five things to know about flu season.
1. Flu Season Is Almost Here
Flu season officially starts in October and can last through May of the following year. But the peak of flu usually happens around December through March with February being the month that often has the most flu cases nationwide.
2. Try These Safety Measures Stop the Flu
Many of the things we are doing now to slow or stop the spread of COVID like extra hand washing, more antibacterial gels and wipes, staying home when sick, wearing masks (especially if sneezing or coughing), will help reduce the flu as well! During last year’s flu season, the flu was minimal because of these safety measures, along with a lot of social distancing, so it is possible to keep the spread of flu lower than previous years.
3. The Flu Vaccine Helps
Every year, flu shot manufacturers identify the strains of influenza A and B that pose the most risk for the coming season. Flu shots also include H1N1, and because of flu shots, H1N1 isn’t causing outbreaks anymore. Flu shots are adjusted every year with new influenza (flu) strains because it mutates like all viruses.
4. Flu Shots Help Different Ages Appropriately
Children are a high-risk group with flu so anyone 6 months and older should get the flu shot. When children under eight are getting the flu vaccine for the first time ever, they will need to have two doses, given four weeks apart. The following flu seasons will be just one dose.
A high-dose flu vaccine made specifically to support the more fragile immune system of people 65+ is available during flu season.
5. Flu Shots and COVID Shots Can Go Together
The CDC says that it is safe to get the flu and COVID vaccines at the same time. If you have any concerns about potential side effects or changes in effectiveness of the vaccines if given together we suggest talking to your NOAH provider to come up with a vaccine plan that is right for you.
Almost everyone can and should get the flu shot every year, including people with egg allergies.. The only people who shouldn’t are patients under 6 months old or someone with history of an anaphylactic reaction to the flu shot in the past or a flu shot component.
The CDC has a lot of information about flu season including updated flu cases and vaccine activity on their website here. NOAH offers patients different options including regular appointments and drive-up flu shots. If you have questions about the flu vaccine or want to schedule your appointment, contact NOAH today!
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Flu-Season.jpg565847Katy Reevehttps://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NOAH_Website_Logo_340.pngKaty Reeve2021-08-30 09:11:332021-08-30 09:11:355 Things to Know for Flu Season 2021-2022
We’ve all heard about immunizations; the good, the new, the questions, and even the confusion. Misleading information about childhood vaccines often causes fear or uncertainty in parents who only want the best for their kids. It’s important to remember the significant benefits that have come from childhood vaccinations. In fact, humans have benefitted immeasurably from immunizations for over 200 years!
To give you a little more peace of mind the next time your child is due for routine immunizations, let’s address some of the most common questions parents have about vaccines.
What are Vaccines?
When various viruses, or other germs enter our body, our immune system sees parts of the germs as foreign matter (called antigens) and determines that they don’t belong. Then, our immune system creates a defense against the germs – called antibodies – to attack the viruses. Most vaccines work in the same way, with weakened or dead pieces of the virus (so it is impossible to get the virus from the vaccine) prompting the body’s immune system to create the antibody defense without actually getting the virus – many of which can cause lifelong problems or even death. Vaccines help your body fight the real thing without risking your health to develop the antibodies.
Why Get Vaccinated?
The reason is simple – vaccines save lives! According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association, there was a 99% decline in deaths from diseases targeted by vaccines before 1980 and a decline of 80% or more for diseases with vaccinates developed after 1980.
Childhood vaccines protect against 16 known viruses and bacteria. Before vaccines, these germs caused severe illness, disability, whole-body paralysis, and even death. I have personally seen some terrible cases of many of these, such as meningitis, as well as their complications with children being paralyzed, requiring lifelong hearing aids, or needing feeding tubes for infections caused by HiB (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B), which is now prevented by a vaccine.
Schools also require children to receive at least some immunizations before starting school, and throughout school years.
Are Vaccines Safe?What About Side Effects?
Vaccines are generally very safe. They are backed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Practice, and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For more information, check out this overview of how vaccines are tested for safety.
It is normal for kids (and adults) to have some mild and temporary symptoms like a mild fever, or soreness at the site of the immunization. Serious allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis, are extremely rare. As a provider, in weighing the risks and benefits of giving vaccines, as I do for any treatment or prevention, the benefits far outweigh any risks.
When Should I Get My Child Immunized?
Childhood vaccines should start right after birth with the Hepatitis B vaccination! Going forward, there is a specific schedule of when certain immunizations should be given. Pediatricians and Family Practitioners follow the the CDC Immunization Schedules for Infants, Children, and Adolescents.
If you have additional questions about vaccines or keeping your child’s immunizations up-to-date, talk with a NOAH provider.
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/childhood-vaccines-kids-shots-immunization.jpg511936Katy Reevehttps://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NOAH_Website_Logo_340.pngKaty Reeve2021-08-02 12:39:562022-08-29 15:00:07Be in the Know: Childhood Vaccines
Dr. Jennifer Vanyo-Novak, D.O. | Family Physician, Medical Director
The COVID-19 pandemic has given us ups and downs over the past year and a half. We hear about the “return to normal” but what does that mean and how do we get there?
NOAH’s Medical Director and Family Physician Dr. Vanyo-Novak breaks down the facts, explains the complex, and clears up rumors and misunderstandings about COVID, vaccines, and the new normal.
A lot of places are opening back up. Do we really need masks again since places stopped requiring them? Isn’t COVID almost over?
Unfortunately, no, COVID is not almost over. Though the number of cases declined for a while thanks to mask mandates, social distancing, and vaccines against COVID-19, we are now seeing the cases rise. As of 7.27.2021 the CDC has advised that even vaccinated individuals begin to mask again indoors in high risk COVID regions which includes us here in Maricopa County. This is in part due to lower than needed vaccine rates, not enough people following guidelines, and an increase in travel and social gatherings. Like with most viruses that go uncontained, we are seeing the virus that causes COVID-19 evolve into new variants (strains of the virus) that are smarter, more easily transmitted, and harder to defeat than the original strains of the virus.
Right now we are hearing about variants, especially the Delta variant, but what is the difference? Should we be worried about another outbreak?
Viruses are living things and they continuously change so they can evolve and survive. There are several different strains right now, Delta being the most common one in the U.S. Several new strains are labeled as “Variants of Concern” by the CDC meaning they are more transmissible, cause more serious illness, don’t respond as well to treatments, and can be more resistant to vaccines.
With a rise in cases due to the Delta variant and other “Variants of Concern” we are seeing an increase in hospitalizations in younger patients without risk factors, even young children. The virus is not just a risk for the elderly or people with underlying conditions.
If someone got the vaccine, are they safe from new COVID strains? Will they need to take booster shots?
Honestly, we are still learning about the virus, its’ variants, and the vaccines. In the beginning health experts and scientists weren’t sure booster shots would be needed. Now, it looks likely that boosters will be needed but we don’t know when. Originally, they did not think boosters would be needed soon, but this can change as the case numbers rise. What the experts are working on understanding is if vaccinated people are getting COVID, is it because these new strains are outsmarting the vaccines, if the vaccine effectiveness is fading, or a combination of the two.
Currently 97% of COVID-19 hospitalizations are unvaccinated individuals. That tells us that while we will not ever be 100% protected, most vaccinated people are protected and if they do get infected it is unlikely that they will get seriously ill. That was always a big goal with the vaccine.
If someone didn’t get vaccinated and doesn’t plan to, won’t they be safe since other people got the vaccine and infections are lower than earlier in the pandemic?
It is great that as of 7.28.21 338 million Americans have been vaccinated against COVID. However, that is only 49% of the U.S., putting us well below the 70-80% needed for herd immunity.
COVID cases aren’t looking as good as they were even a month ago. Less than 50% of Maricopa County is fully vaccinated and with school starting, travel increasing, and mask mandates mostly gone, the number of infected people will continue to increase.
Most of us interact with other people: school, work, stores, travel, transportation, exercising at gyms, and more. We can’t just think about ourselves, we must consider our community – the herd – and protect that. We have a responsibility to our friends, family, neighbors, and society to take care of each other.
The virus will continue to mutate into new variants and harm people, and the vaccines are our greatest defense. We need to achieve herd immunity before we can truly begin to feel safe.
Kids don’t get COVID, so why do they need a vaccine?
In general most children have a much more robust immune system than adults. Children have gotten COVID throughout the pandemic, but they are getting it more now, and ending up in the hospital more. With new variants this trend may continue, and more children may become seriously ill or worse, die from this virus.
Children, like the rest of us, interact with family members, friends, classmates, teammates, and many other people. We want children to be protected from this virus, but also for them to protect their community as well.
How can we possibly know if the vaccines are safe if they aren’t fully approved?
The main difference in the approval and process for the COVID vaccines is that while most vaccines go through a series of steps, finishing one step before moving the next one, with COVID vaccines, they moved to the next step once all the data showed things were looking good (as opposed to fully completed). But every step was still included, all the monitoring and review was still happening, but in a more fluid way.
At this time, every step has been fully completed and vaccine makers are beginning to apply for full FDA approval.
If the risk of getting really sick from COVID-19 is still low, why should someone take a new vaccine?
Possible side effects from the vaccine are still much less than the risk of COVID-19 and serious illness, including what we are now seeing as long-haul COVID. The vaccine side effects are mostly normal, expected, and mild. COVID is mutating and with each strain it can be more deadly, or more infectious than before.
We cannot just consider ourselves; we have to consider the effects of our choices on those around us.
If the mRNA (vaccine technology used in some vaccines) isn’t new medical technology, why haven’t we used it in vaccines before.
t hasn’t been used in vaccines before COVID because we haven’t needed a new vaccine on this scale until now. The mRNA technology has been used successfully for decades, with a lot of research done on its benefits and any risks.
https://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Ask-the-Expert-2.0-image-e1655163760269.jpeg533800Katy Reevehttps://noahhelps.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/NOAH_Website_Logo_340.pngKaty Reeve2021-07-29 09:23:442021-07-29 13:30:11Ask the Expert: COVID-19 in 2021