Source / information
Source:
Healio interviews.
Disclosure:
Maldonado does not report any relevant financial disclosures.
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The AAP has updated its guidelines on the correct use of masks for children 2 to 12 years old who cannot receive the COVID-19 vaccine, as well as for unvaccinated children and adolescents.
After the FDA granted emergency approval for the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for adolescents ages 12-15, and based on other factors such as a sharp drop in cases, the CDC recently said people who are fully vaccinated don’t more need to wear masks indoors in most cases.
Source: Adobe Stock.
Infectious diseases in children spoke with Yvonne A. Maldonado, MD, FAAP, Chairman of the AAP’s Infectious Diseases Committee and Professor and Head of the Infectious Diseases Department at Stanford University School of Medicine, on the AAP’s recommendations for children in the light of the CDC’s recently updated guidelines.
Healio: When do unvaccinated children still have to wear masks?
Yvonne A. Maldonado
Maldonado: Until children and adolescents can be fully protected with a vaccine, the AAP recommends continuing to wear masks when around groups of people, both indoors and outdoors. We encourage children who are not eligible for the vaccine to wear masks in childcare, camp or school, and when traveling such as on planes, trains and buses. We encourage children to wear masks when playing with friends, accompanying their parents out shopping, or in other situations where they are around groups of people, some of whom may not be fully vaccinated. Unless vaccinated, children should wear masks for indoor sports (except for sports where the mask may be hazardous) and outdoor sports that involve close contact. It is important that children and families follow local and state masking requirements in any situation.
Healio: Why is it important that you wear a mask in these situations?
Maldonado: Consistent use of a face mask, in addition to physical distancing, hand washing, and vaccination, is an effective strategy to lower the risk and reduce the spread of COVID-19. When you wear a face mask, you protect others and yourself, especially if you have not been vaccinated and / or are around people who have not been vaccinated.
Healio: How can parents and pediatricians teach children the importance of continuing to wear masks in these situations while so many other people walk without them?
Maldonado: Children ages 2 and up have demonstrated their ability to wear face masks, just as they have learned to wear bicycle helmets and buckle up in their car seats on a regular basis. We find that children generally have no problems wearing the masks and can tolerate them for long periods of time. It can be helpful for parents to continue to wear masks as a role model in public places and to support their child.
Healio: When children younger than 12 years old still can’t get a COVID-19 vaccine before the new school year. Should elementary schools have mask guidelines?
Maldonado: The AAP encourages students and staff to wear masks in school, but decisions about whether this is a requirement for school entry are made by the local community in consultation with local health officials.
References:
Press release.
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