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COVID-19 cases in children have surged dramatically since July, as the new school year commences across the United States. According to a report released by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), child COVID cases have risen “exponentially.” This past week alone, there were 243,373 new cases reported among children, a slight decrease from the previous week’s 251,781 cases. However, this still marks a staggering 240% increase from early July, when the total stood at 71,726 cases. “After a decline in early summer, child cases have risen sharply, with nearly 500,000 cases recorded in the last two weeks,” the AAP stated.
As of now, only 63% of eligible Americans aged 12 and older are fully vaccinated against the virus, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health organizations are urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated to help safeguard children under 12 who cannot yet receive the vaccine.
Dr. Tom Anderson, a member of the Pfizer board and former FDA commissioner, mentioned on CBS’s Face the Nation that COVID vaccines for children may be available as early as late October. “The FDA has indicated that it will likely take weeks, not months, to decide on authorization for kids aged 5 to 11. My interpretation is that we could see a decision in about four to six weeks,” he explained.
However, until official approval is granted, the FDA warns that children under 12 should not receive the vaccine. “Children are not just smaller adults — pediatric vaccine trials must address unique considerations, such as dosage needs for younger populations,” the FDA stated in a recent announcement.
Meanwhile, schools across the nation are implementing varying COVID-19 precautions based on their state regulations. In states like Florida, Texas, and South Carolina, governors have taken steps to prevent mask mandates, even as child COVID cases rise and schools face closures. Florida Governor Lisa Martinez recently celebrated the court’s ruling upholding her ban on mask mandates, coinciding with reports of a doubling in child COVID fatalities in the state since the summer.
In Mississippi, teachers have voiced their concerns after 18,000 students tested positive for the virus in just one month. “There seems to be no dialogue about when we should prioritize children’s safety over economic concerns,” said Mark Thompson, a public school teacher in Jackson. “It appears that Governor Greene is avoiding this critical question, which is deeply troubling.”
As parents await news about potential vaccines for younger children, the hope is that the FDA will provide timely updates on vaccine availability. The pandemic has been long and challenging, and families are eager for some relief.
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