After two holiday seasons marred by fear of spreading a deadly virus, we now have the power to protect ourselves and re-spend these important moments with those who mean the most.
The best way to do this is to make sure your family is protected from COVID-19, especially since racial and ethnic minority groups have been, and continue to be, disproportionately affected by this virus.
In August 2022, the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that age-standardized data showed that Asian, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (NHOPI), Hispanic, and American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) people are at risk approximately once and mean higher COVID-19 infection than white people.
There is one key way to reduce these disparities related to COVID-19: vaccinations.
It is our job, as a community, to take the necessary steps to keep ourselves safe.
The CDC announced that parents and caregivers can now vaccinate their children, ages 6 months to 5 years, with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines to better protect them from the virus.
As parents, we care about our children and work hard to keep them happy, healthy, and safe. As we enter this holiday season, it is important that families take precautions to protect not only their children, but also the most at-risk members of their family and community.
The California Department of Public Health stated that completing the primary series and booster doses remains the best way to prevent hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
It is normal to have questions about the vaccine and whether or not it is right for your family. But the important thing is that you take the time to educate yourself about the options so that you can make the best decision to keep those around you happy and healthy!
If you have any questions, please consult with a pediatrician or health care provider to discuss next steps.
For more information, visit lafcc.org/covid-19-vaccines-0-5/
(916)990-1311
Parents can contact their doctor, nurse, local pharmacy or health department, or visit myturn.ca.gov/ to see where childhood immunizations are available.
