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As parents delay routine checkups for their children, the risk of not only COVID-19 but also other preventable diseases resurging grows. In 2022, the U.S. saw 1,282 measles cases—the highest in over 30 years, largely among the unvaccinated. If vaccination rates continue to drop, diseases we haven’t thought much about for years, such as diphtheria and whooping cough, could make a comeback.
Experts stress the need for 90 to 95 percent of the population to be immunized to prevent the return of these diseases—a target that's already tough to meet in normal times. In the midst of a pandemic, with many global vaccination programs paused or delayed, it’s even more critical to stay current on vaccinations.
To prevent the resurgence of these diseases, it's essential that children continue to receive their vaccinations. With many health programs disrupted by the pandemic, it is vital to keep vaccinations up to date to ensure public health safety.
Vulnerable patients are given top priority in healthcare decisions
“At present, the CDC recommends that vaccinations should be prioritized for the most vulnerable populations,” says Ada Stewart, president-elect of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a practicing family physician in Columbia, South Carolina.
The most at-risk patients include infants up to 24 months and children with medical conditions that heighten their risk of complications. Nonetheless, it is crucial that older children also receive their vaccinations, adhering as closely as possible to their regular vaccination schedules.
As highlighted by the World Health Organization in a release on COVID-19, “Immunization is a fundamental health service that must be prioritized to prevent communicable diseases and protected for continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic, where feasible.”
Safety measures may differ depending on the location
According to Stewart, the way vaccinations are managed at a doctor's office depends on various factors, including the physical limitations of the space and the local area. As Stewart explains, there is no one-size-fits-all approach.
For instance, a doctor's office may have to adjust their procedures based on whether they are located in a large hospital or a smaller, independent practice, or if they are in an area experiencing a significant COVID-19 outbreak versus a more localized one.
Stewart mentions, 'We now have to think outside the box, given the current circumstances.'
Some of the strategies being implemented by offices include separating appointments for well-child visits from those for sick patients, minimizing the time patients spend in the office, ensuring everyone wears masks, and prescreening patients to confirm that no one else in the family is ill.
Stewart assures, 'Your doctor's office is doing everything possible to ensure it remains a safe environment.'
Vaccines play a crucial role in preventing the spread of other outbreaks.
A month ago, as the lockdowns were beginning and we were adjusting to a new way of life, I found myself in a similar situation. My son had just turned one, and it was time for his checkup, which would include his first dose of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
At the appointment, my doctor’s office allowed only one well child at a time into the clinic, and a separate team attended to sick children, who were treated from their cars. Since my toddler had a habit of putting things in his mouth, I kept him in his stroller during the visit. The staff wore masks and kept the doors open to avoid any need for me to touch door handles while entering or exiting.
I won't lie—I was terrified. I won't lie—I did consider postponing the visit. In the middle of a pandemic, there are no easy decisions.
For me, the key factor was clear: I couldn’t risk my son contracting a preventable disease. My parents grew up before the polio vaccine, when the fear of contracting a disease that could paralyze or kill was widespread. My son had already caught one preventable disease—chickenpox—before he was old enough for the vaccine. I didn’t want measles to add to my concerns.
While we anxiously await the COVID-19 vaccine, it's crucial to remember the many diseases we no longer have to fear, all thanks to vaccines. Although visiting the doctor’s office might feel daunting right now, ensuring your children get their vaccines is an essential reason to go. Just be sure to discuss with your doctor the precautions they’re taking.
