Baby Talk - Vaccines and COVID-19

Research from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that over the past few months there has been a 2.5 million-dose decline in orders of regular childhood vaccines. Understandably, families have not wanted to interact with healthcare professionals, preferring to shelter at home. Medical professionals remind us, however, that the usual childhood diseases still exist, even during a pandemic, and we need to protect our children from them. There is particular concern with skipping the measles vaccine because this contagious disease has been on the rise in the past few years.

Medical practices have been putting precautions in place to protect their patients. Some offices are scheduling well visits in the morning and sick visits during the afternoon. This allows healthy children in the office after an extensive overnight cleaning. Other practices use separate areas of the clinic to treat sick and well care patients. Many pediatricians ask families to wait in the car until an exam room is available, thus avoiding waiting rooms. Staggered appointments also help to minimize the number of patients in the facility. Some practices even come out to your car to administer vaccines.

Pediatricians warn that we do not want to unintentionally create another public health problem while trying to manage COVID19.

What has your experience been at your pediatrician’s office? Please, share.