Recommended Vaccines are still Important -- even during a Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for healthcare providers, parents, teens and young adults. One outcome of the pandemic, is a dramatic declines in routine vaccination. The CDC reported that orders for vaccines have declined sharply since the emergency declaration (MMWR, May 8 2020). A recent study showed a 71% drop in healthcare visits for children and adolescents 6-17 year olds¹, ages when critical vaccines including Tdap, HPV and meningitis are given. These declines in vaccination put children and communities at greater risk for outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as whooping cough. We're all part of the essential effort to ensure adolescents and young adults stay safe and healthy!
¹https://www.commonwealthfund.org/publications/2020/apr/impact-covid-19-outpatient-visits
What can you do?
Act now to catch-up on well visits and immunization. One person's health affect the whole family. Teens and young adults need to be diligent to protect both themselves and their families.
Prioritize recommended teen vaccination. When state/local conditions allow, act quickly to catch-up teens on all recommended vaccines.
Plan for a COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to you.
Connect to Unity educational resources to learn more.
Suggested Actions and Resources
- Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for individuals 12 years and older
- Moderna vaccine for individuals 18 years and older
- Johnson & Johnson vaccine for individuals 18 years and older
- Who needs to be trained
- Best practices
- What clinicians need to know about Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines
- Allergic reactions, contraindications and precautions
- Influenza season preparedness from ASTHO
- CDC guidelines for back to school planning
- Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for individuals 12 years and older
- Moderna vaccine for individuals 18 years and older
- Johnson & Johnson vaccine for individuals 18 years and older
- CDC: How to protect yourself and others
- Healthy Children: Signs our teen may need more support
- Healthy Children: Challenges and opportunities during the outbreak
- Dr. Lisa Damour: How to manage a meltdown
- CDC Back to School planning checklist
- Healthy Children: Youth sports during COVID-19
What can teens expect when getting a COVID-19 vaccine?
- The Vaccine Makers Project: The Coronavirus Pandemic – Answering Your Questions
Background on the process followed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize or approve a COVID-19 vaccine, including the role of the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
COVID-19 Vaccine: How CDC Is Making COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Chelsea Clinton, Vice Chair of The Clinton Foundation with
- Pia Valenzuela Escudero, Executive Director, Division of Student Health, Los Angeles Unified School District
- Holly Hunt, Chief, Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
- Dr. Charles Irwin, Director, Division of Adolescent Health, UCSF November 30, 2020
- Robert Boyd, President, School Based Health Alliance
Supporting Families & Schools in Addressing Student Health
In August-September 2020, Unity Consortium conducted a national survey of perspectives on adolescent health and immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic. A summary of the findings of this 600-parent and 300-teen survey shows the pandemic has impacted teen visits to the physician. And with an increase in mental health concerns, stress due to fears and isolation and a decrease in vaccination rates, well-visit appointments should be a priority.
Impact of COVID-19 on Teen Health and Immunization: Findings from Parents and Teens
Learn how COVID-19 is affecting teen health, wellness and immunization behaviors and attitudes during the pandemic
Findings from Unity’s National Poll on Adolescent Health and Immunizations
Background on the process followed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize or approve a COVID-19 vaccine, including the role of the CDCs Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
COVID-19 Vaccine: How CDC Is Making COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
A panel discussion moderated by Dr. Chelsea Clinton, Vice Chair of The Clinton Foundation with
- Pia Valenzuela Escudero, Executive Director, Division of Student Health, Los Angeles Unified School District
- Holly Hunt, Chief, Population Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
- Dr. Charles Irwin, Director, Division of Adolescent Health, UCSF November 30, 2020
- Robert Boyd, President, School Based Health Alliance
Supporting Families & Schools in Addressing Student Health
In August-September 2020, Unity Consortium conducted a national survey of perspectives on adolescent health and immunization during the COVID-19 pandemic. A summary of the findings of this 600-parent and 300-teen survey shows the pandemic has impacted teen visits to the physician. And with an increase in mental health concerns, stress due to fears and isolation and a decrease in vaccination rates, well-visit appointments should be a priority.
Impact of COVID-19 on Teen Health and Immunization: Findings from Parents and Teens
Raising Awareness of Teen Vaccines Needed: Protection is a Snap.
