A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study finds an alarming increase in recent teen hospitalizations.
The study looks at 14 states between March 1, 2020 and April 24, 2021. And it finds a recent spike in new hospitalizations.
This study is important for health messages, too. And that is because children may have been less susceptible to earlier strains.
The report shows teen hospitalizations peaked at 2.1 per 100,000. And then in early January 2021, dipped to 0.6 in mid-March, and rose to 1.3 in April.
Among hospitalizations, nearly a third required intensive care unit admission. And about 5% of teens required invasive mechanical ventilation. But fortunately, there were no deaths.
Moreover, research shows that some may develop long-term illness. We know them as “long haulers”.
Parents are encouraged to get their teens vaccinated. On May 10, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded emergency vaccine use for adolescents, aged 12 to 15. But this authorization is only for the vaccine made by Pfizer-BioNTech. It is the first vaccine for this age group.
Help protect children and teens by getting vaccinated.
VACCINES ARE KEY
COVID-19 is a vaccine-preventable disease. More, everyone 12 and older in the United States can now get a free vaccine regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.
Moreover, they are safe and effective. Also, while some “breakthrough cases” do occur, vaccines substantially curb the symptoms.
Additionally, here are our key health messages on vaccines:
Vaccines Protect the Person Receiving it
Vaccines help to protect us from the virus. More, you are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing your second dose.
Vaccine Protect Others, too
Vaccines also protect others. More, it is important to remember that some cannot receive it, including children. Also you can be infected with it but show no symptoms, but still can spread it to others.
Please get vaccinated. And encourage others, too.
Previous Infection will not Protect you
If you previously had the virus, you still would need the shot. And here is why.
First, it is unclear how long immunity lasts. We wrote a number of articles documenting reinfection. And that is because there are new strains. More, viruses mutate over time. Thus, the strains currently being spread are different from the strains from last year.
So even if you had it, you can get it again.
Second, it protects others. Early evidence shows vaccinated individuals are less likely to spread the virus to others. And remember, not everyone is eligible to receive it.
How to get Vaccinated
There are several options, and the shot is available in many stores and clinics. Here are some methods:
WALK RIGHT IN!
Today, many stores and clinics offer walk-in service. And an appointment is not necessary. Thus, you can walk in. And get the shot.
SCHEDULE BY PHONE
Call 800-232-0233 to schedule anywhere in the U.S.
SCHEDULE ONLINE
Visit Vaccine.gov to schedule anywhere in the U.S.
SEND A TEXT MESSAGE
Text message your zip code to 438829 to schedule anywhere in the U.S.