FDA Authorized Moderna and Johnson & Johnson Boosters
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration took action to expand the use of a booster dose for COVID-19 vaccines in eligible populations. The agency is amending the emergency use authorizations (EUA) for COVID-19 vaccines to allow for the use of a single booster dose as follows:
- The use of a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine that may be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary series to individuals:
- 65 years of age and older
- 18 through 64 years of age at high risk of severe COVID-19
- 18 through 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2
- The use of a single booster dose of the Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 2 months after completion of the single-dose primary regimen to individuals 18 years of age and older.
- The use of each of the available COVID-19 vaccines as a heterologous (or “mix and match”) booster dose in eligible individuals following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine.
- To clarify that a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine may be administered at least 6 months after completion of the primary series to individuals 18 through 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
“Today’s actions demonstrate our commitment to public health in proactively fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock, M.D. “As the pandemic continues to impact the country, science has shown that vaccination continues to be the safest and most effective way to prevent COVID-19, including the most serious consequences of the disease, such as hospitalization and death. The available data suggest waning immunity in some populations who are fully vaccinated. The availability of these authorized boosters is important for continued protection against COVID-19 disease.”
“The amendments to the emergency use authorizations to include a single booster dose in eligible populations are based on the available data and information and follows the input from the members of our advisory committee who were supportive of the use of a booster dose of these vaccines in eligible populations,” said Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. “We are also taking action today to include the use of mix and match boosters to address this public health need. We will work to accrue additional data as quickly as possible to further assess the benefits and risks of the use of booster doses in additional populations and plan to update the healthcare community and public with our determination in the coming weeks.”
Authorization of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose
To support the authorization for emergency use of a single booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, the FDA analyzed immune response data from 149 participants 18 years of age and older from the original clinical studies who received a booster dose at least 6 months after their second dose and compared it to the immune responses of 1,055 study participants after completing their two-dose series. The antibody response of the 149 participants against SARS-CoV-2 virus 29 days after a booster dose of the vaccine demonstrated a booster response.
The FDA also evaluated an additional analysis from Moderna comparing the rates of COVID-19 accrued during the Delta variant surge during July and August 2021, which suggest that there is a waning of vaccine effectiveness over time.
Safety was evaluated in 171 participants 18 years of age and older who were followed for an average of approximately six months. The most commonly reported side effects by the clinical trial participants who received the booster dose of the vaccine were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle and/or joint pain, chills, swollen lymph nodes in same arm as the injection, nausea and vomiting, and fever. Of note, swollen lymph nodes in the underarm were observed more frequently following the booster dose than after the primary two-dose series.
Ongoing analyses from the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) safety surveillance systems have identified increased risks of inflammatory heart conditions, myocarditis and pericarditis, following vaccination with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, particularly following the second dose. Typically, onset of symptoms has been a few days following vaccination. The observed risk is higher among males under 40 years of age, particularly males 18 through 24, than among females and older males.
The Moderna COVID-19 single booster dose is half of the dose that is administered for a primary series dose and is administered at least six months after completion of a primary series of the vaccine.
Authorization of Janssen (Johnson and Johnson) COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Dose
The authorization for emergency use of a single booster dose of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine is based on the FDA’s evaluation of immune response data in 39 participants from a clinical trial including 24 participants who were 18 through 55 years of age and 15 participants who were 65 years of age and older. The study participants received a booster dose approximately 2 months after their first dose, and the results demonstrated a booster response.
Overall, approximately 9,000 clinical trial participants have received two doses of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine administered at least two months apart and of these, approximately 2,700 have had at least two months of safety follow-up after the booster dose. Janssen’s safety analyses from these studies have not identified new safety concerns.
Earlier analyses from the FDA and CDC safety surveillance systems suggest an increased risk of a serious and rare type of blood clot in combination with low blood platelets following administration of the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. This serious condition is called thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS). People who developed TTS after receiving the vaccine had symptoms that began about one to two weeks after vaccination. Reporting of TTS has been highest in females ages 18 through 49 years. In addition, safety surveillance suggests an increased risk of a specific serious neurological disorder called Guillain Barré syndrome, within 42 days following receipt of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine.
Authorization of “Mix and Match” Booster Dose
Today, the FDA is also authorizing the use of heterologous (or “mix and match”) booster dose for currently available (i.e., FDA-authorized or approved) COVID-19 vaccines. Following a presentation of clinical trial data from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee’s discussion of information submitted for consideration, along with the agency’s evaluation of the available data, the FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of the use of a single heterologous booster dose outweigh the known and potential risks of their use in eligible populations.
A single booster dose of any of the available COVID-19 vaccines may be administered as a heterologous booster dose following completion of primary vaccination with a different available COVID-19 vaccine. The eligible population(s) and dosing interval for a heterologous booster dose are the same as those authorized for a booster dose of the vaccine used for primary vaccination.
For example, Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine recipients 18 years of age and older may receive a single booster dose of Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine, Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (half dose) or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine at least two months after receiving their Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine primary vaccination.
In another example, Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine recipients falling into one of the authorized categories for boosters (65 years of age and older, 18 through 64 years of age at high-risk of severe COVID-19, and 18 through 64 years of age with frequent institutional or occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2) may receive a booster dose of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine (half dose), Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine at least six months after completing their primary vaccination.
The agency recognizes that health care providers and COVID-19 vaccine recipients will have questions about booster doses. The individual fact sheets for each available vaccine provide relevant information for health care providers and the vaccine recipients. The agency encourages health care providers to also follow the recommendations that will be provided by the CDC following a meeting of their Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and formal recommendations signed by the CDC director.
Related Information
- Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
- Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
- COVID-19 Vaccines
- Emergency Use Authorization for Vaccines Explained
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The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, products that give off electronic radiation, and for regulating tobacco products.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
It is that time of year again when we break out the pink clothes from the back of our closets. We wear them to acknowledge the continuous uphill battle for those recently diagnosed with breast cancer, those going through treatment, those in remediation, and those who have lost their lives because of this cancer.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is when the cells located in your breast grow uncontrollably. There are different subtypes of breast cancer and the type is dependent on location of the uncontrolled cells. The breast is made up of three main parts: lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. Each of the parts have different function: the lobules make milk, the ducts carry the milk towards the nipple, and the connective tissue holds everything together. Majority of breast cancer start in the ducts or lobules.
Why is Breast Cancer important?
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death to women worldwide and is the second highest common cause of cancer for women in the United States. Majority of the time, breast cancer is identified with the female gender. However, males can be affected too. Breast cancer can be passed from one generation to the next. With increase awareness, annual preventative visits, and screening availability, clinicians have been able to detect breast cancer at an earlier age.
What can I do?
There are some modifiable risk factors that you may change to decrease your chances of developing breast cancer. They are: becoming more physically fit, not smoking, not being overweight or obese after menopause, not being on hormone replacement therapy after menopause, having your first child before 30 and breast feeding, and decrease alcohol intake.
Other things to consider is discussing your family history and personal medical history with your physician at your next wellness exam. You and your physician can weigh the risks and benefits of screening early at age 40, rather than at 50 years old (per USPSTF guidelines). The screening will start with a routine mammogram done every 1-2 years. If there is something abnormal found on the mammogram, we will help to coordinate your care with a referral to specialist.
If you have any concerns or questions, please book an appointment with your primary care provider at one of our locations.
Together, we can spread awareness about breast cancer.
Dr. Hannah Do, M.D. Family Medicine Physician
References:
1. https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/basic_info/index.htm
Safe Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic
From the American Academy of Pediatrics;
As we’ve learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, going to school in person is how children and teens learn best. Many students also get vital resources they need to thrive at school. With a new school year starting this fall, though, many students will not yet be eligible to get COVID-19 vaccines. This leaves them at risk as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID, continues to spread with variants that are more contagious and may cause more severe illness.
Steps to keep students as safe possible in school
To ensure students and staff can stay healthy—and physically together in school—here are key safety recommendations:
COVID-19 vaccines
All adults and children over age 12 currently eligible for COVID-19 vaccines should get fully immunized by the start of school year. People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine such as Johnson & Johnson’s.
Face masks
Everyone over age 2 years should wear face masks that cover the nose and mouth. This is a simple, proven tool to protect students unable to get the vaccine yet or who have chosen not to get it.
When they fit well and are worn correctly and consistently, face masks are effective and safe to wear for long periods of time such as during the school day. The vast majority of children, even those with medical conditions, are able to safely and effectively wear face masks with practice, support and role-modeling by adults. Talk with your child’s pediatrician about certain medical and developmental conditions that would prohibit mask use.
Physical distancing
Students should remain at least 3 feet apart within classrooms when possible. In general, CDC recommends people who are not fully vaccinated maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet from other people who are not in their household. However, several studies from the 2020-2021 school year show low COVID-19 transmission levels among students in schools that had less than 6 feet of physical distance when the school used other prevention strategies, such as the use of masks.
When possible, schools should use outdoor spaces and unused spaces for instruction and meals to help with distancing. Activities like singing, band and exercising, for example, are safest outdoors and spread out.
Classroom routines
To help limit student interaction outside the classroom, schools should consider:
- Having teachers move between classrooms, if possible, rather than having students fill the hallways during passing periods. Block schedules (fewer classes in a given day and electives in shorter time periods) can help limit cross-over of students and teachers.
- Allowing students to eat lunches at their desks or in small groups outdoors instead of in crowded lunchrooms. Because of the need to remove face masks while eating, it’s best to keep unvaccinated students six feet apart during lunch.
- Leaving classroom doors open to help reduce high touch surfaces such as doorknobs.
- When the weather and air quality allow it, open windows and doors to improve air circulation. Strategically located fans, promoting circulation or decrease in stagnant air, can be utilized to enhance outdoor air circulation.
Testing
The CDC recommends screening testing be offered to students who have not been fully vaccinated when there are higher levels of COVID-19 cases in the community. Testing screening can also offer added protection for schools that are not able to provide optimal physical distance between students. Screening testing should be offered to all teachers and staff who have not been fully vaccinated. To be effective, the screening program should test at least once per week, and rapidly (within 24 hours) report results.
Diagnostic testing is recommended when someone has COVID-19 symptoms, or recent known or suspected exposure to the virus.
Temperature checks
Taking students’ temperatures at school may not be feasible. However, families should monitor students’ health and keep them home if they have a fever of 100.4 degrees F or greater or any signs of illness.
Exposure
Children appear less likely than adults to have symptoms and severe illness from COVID-19. Early studies also suggest those under age 10 may be less likely to be infected with and spread the infection. But, especially with new virus variants circulating, schools still need to plan for exposures.
If a student or staff member has close contact with someone with known to be infected with SARS-CoV-2, they should quarantine as recommended by local public health officials unless they are fully vaccinated. A person is known to be infected if they have a confirmed infection or illness consistent with COVID-19. Quarantine is typically at least 10 days from the last exposure or 7 days from last exposure with a negative test at least 5 days after exposure.
Symptoms at school
School nurses should take the temperature of anyone who feels ill during the school day. There should be a specific area to separate or isolate students who don’t feel well. To stay safe, school nurses should use PPE (personal protective equipment) such as N95 masks, surgical masks, gloves, and face shields.
- Cleaning, disinfecting & hygiene. Schools should follow CDC guidelines on proper disinfecting and sanitizing classrooms and common areas. Students and staff should be encouraged to wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer regularly.
- Ventilation. Schools should improve air flow as much as possible by opening windows and doors. Child-proof fans can help improve ventilation and blow potentially contaminated air out.
Buses, hallways and playgrounds
Since these are often crowded spaces, schools can:
- Give bus riders assigned seats and require them to wear a face masks while on the bus. Encourage students who have other ways to get to school, including walking or biking, to use those options.
- At school, mark hallways and stairs with one-way arrows on the floor to cut down on crowding in the halls. Assign lockers by group or eliminate use of lockers.
- Encourage outdoor activities such as using the playground in small groups. Playground equipment should be included in cleaning plans.
Other considerations
In addition to safety plans, there are other factors that school communities need to address:
Students at higher risk
Some students with chronic, high-risk medical conditions may need extra accommodations to stay safe. Talk with your pediatrician and school staff (including school nurses) to explore options for return to school, whether in person, blended, or remote.
Students with disabilities
School reopening plans may have a greater impact on students with disabilities. It may be hard to transition back to in-school learning after missing out on instruction time. Or they may have had less access to school-based services such as occupational, physical and speech-language therapy or mental health support counseling. Schools should review the needs of each child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) before they return to school, and provide services even if virtual.
Immunizations and wellness exams
It is especially important for students to be up-to-date on all their immunizations, including the flu vaccine, during the pandemic. Doctors saw a drop in routine childhood immunizations during the pandemic. Getting caught up will avoid outbreaks of other illnesses that threaten to keep children home more.
Behavioral health and emotional support
Your child’s school should be prepared to support a wide range of mental health needs during the pandemic. This includes recognizing signs of anxiety or distress. Students may be grieving loved ones lost to COVID-19, for example, or feeling the stress of lost family income. The United States experienced more than 600,000 deaths from COVID-19. On average, each of these deaths impacts 9 people, and many of these 5 million grieving individuals are children. Schools also can help students with suicidal thoughts or behavior get needed support.
Organized activities
Sporting events, practices, and other extracurricular activities may be limited in many areas. In schools that do offer sports and other physical activities, special safety steps should be considered.
Screenings
Vision and hearing screening should continue in schools, when possible. These services help identify children in need of treatment as soon as possible so sight or hearing problems don’t interfere with learning.
Nutrition
Many students receive healthy meals through school meal programs More students might be eligible for free or reduced meals than before the pandemic. Schools should provide meal programs even if the school is closed or the student is sick and stays home from school.
Why safe, in-person school is so important
Schools provide more than just academics to children and adolescents. In addition to reading, writing and math, students learn social and emotional skills, get exercise, and have access to mental health and other support services. For many families, schools are where kids get healthy meals, access to the internet, and other vital services.
The pandemic has been especially hard for children with disabilities, children living in poverty, and children who are Black, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native. In an April 2020 survey, more than half (59%) of parents with lower incomes who had children in schools that were remote because of the pandemic said their children would likely face at least one of three obstacles to digital learning: lack of reliable internet at home, for example, no computer at home, or needing to use a smartphone to complete schoolwork.
Remember
Schools are safe, stimulating, and enriching places for children and teens to learn. Families, schools, and communities can work together to help ensure students can safely return to and remain physically together in school this fall, where they need to be.
RSV: When It’s More Than Just a Cold
From the American Academy of Pediatrics;
Almost all children get RSV at least once before they are 2 years old. For most healthy children, RSV is like a cold. But, some children get very sick with RSV.
What is RSV?
RSV (or respiratory syncytial virus) is one of the many viruses that cause respiratory illness―illnesses of the nose, throat, and lungs. This virus occurs in the late fall through early spring months. Typically, RSV causes a cold, which may be followed by bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Symptoms generally last an average of 5-7 days.
| Cold: Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | Bronchiolitis: Lower Respiratory Tract Infection |
|---|---|
| Symptoms may include: -Fever (temperature of 100.4 or higher) -Cough (dry or wet sounding) -Congestion-Sneezing -Runny nose -Fussiness -Poor feeding | Symptoms may include cold symptoms, plus: -Fast breathing -Flaring of the nostrils -Head bobbing with breathing -Rhythmic grunting during breathing -Belly breathing, tugging between their ribs, and/or tugging at the lower neck -Wheezing |
| How hard is your baby breathing? Know what to look for. |
|---|
| Chest wall retractions occur when a baby must use muscles between the ribs or in the neck to breathe. It is a sign that baby is having to work harder than normal to breathe. Watch your child’s rib cage as he or she inhales. If you see it “caving in” and forming and upside-down “V” shape under the neck, then he or she is working too hard. |
Is your baby or young child at a greater risk?
Those infants with a higher risk for severe RSV infection include:
- Young chronological age (≤12 weeks) at the start of RSV season
- Premature or low birth weight infants (especially those born before 29 weeks gestation)
- Chronic lung disease of prematurity
- Babies with certain types of heart defects
- Those with weak immune systems due to illness or treatments
- Additional risk factors for severe RSV infections include low birth weight, having siblings, maternal smoking during pregnancy, exposure to secondhand smoke in the home, history of atopy (allergies/eczema), not breastfeeding, and being around children in a child care setting or living in crowded living conditions.
When should you call the doctor?
RSV symptoms are typically at their worst on days 3 through 5 of illness. Fortunately, almost all children recover from an RSV infection on their own.
Call your pediatrician right away if your child has any:
- Symptoms of bronchiolitis (listed above)
- Symptoms of dehydration (fewer than 1 wet diaper every 8 hours)
- Pauses or difficulty breathing
- Gray or blue color to tongue, lips, or skin
- Significantly decreased activity and alertness
Some children with RSV may be at increased risk of developing a bacterial infection, such as an ear infection. Call your doctor if your child has:
- Symptoms that worsen or do not start to improve after 7 days
- A fever (with a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher) and he or she is younger than 3 months of age (12 weeks).
- A fever that rises above 104°F repeatedly for a child of any age.
- Poor sleep or fussiness, chest pain, ear tugging, or ear drainage
How do doctors diagnose RSV?
Pediatricians diagnose children with a cold or bronchiolitis by asking about their symptoms and by doing a physical exam. Your pediatrician may do a nasal swab test to determine if your child has RSV or another virus. A chest x-ray and/or oxygen saturation test may also be done to check for lung congestion. Because most children recover without difficulty and because there is no treatment for RSV, these tests usually are not necessary.
Is RSV contagious?
Yes. RSV spreads just like a common-cold virus―from one person to another. It enters the body through the nose or eyes or, usually from:
- Direct person-to-person contact withsaliva, mucus, or nasal discharge.
- Unclean hands (RSV can survive 30 minutes or more on unwashed hands).
- Unclean objects or surfaces (RSV can survive up to 6 hours on surfaces, toys, keyboards, door knobs, etc).
Symptoms can appear 2 to 8 days after contact with RSV. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days. However, some infants and people with weakened immune systems can be contagious for as long as four weeks―even if they are not showing symptoms.
Keep in mind, children and adults can get RSV multiple times–even during a single season. Often, however, repeat infections are less severe than the first one.
What can you do to help your child feel better?
There is no cure for RSV and medications, like steroids and antibiotics, do not help with RSV.
To help your child feel more comfortable, begin by doing what you would for any bad cold:
- Nasal saline with gentle suctioning to allow easier breathing and feeding.
- Cool-mist humidifier to help break up mucus and allow easier breathing.
- Fluids and frequent feedings. Make sure your child is staying hydrated. Infants with a common cold may feed more slowly or not feel like eating, because they are having trouble breathing. Try to section baby’s nose before attempting to breast or bottle-feed. Supplementation with water or formula is unnecessary for breastfed babies. If difficult for the baby to feed at the breast, expressing breastmilk into a cup or bottle may be an option.
- Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if older than 6 months) to help with low-grade fevers. Always avoid aspirin and cough and cold medications.
Only 3% (3 out of 100 children) with RSV will require a hospital stay. Those children may need oxygen to help with breathing or an (intravenous) IV line for fluids. Most of these children can go home after 2 or 3 days. Rarely, a child may need care in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
How can you protect your children from RSV?
Wash your hands! Just as you would to prevent germs at any time, use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Remind children to practice good hand hygiene all through the year.
Other things that can help:
- Vaccinate. Keep your children up to date on their immunizations and get the whole family annual flu shots. Getting vaccinated with Tdap―to protect against whopping cough is especially important for adults who are around infant—new parents, grandparents, babysitters, nannies, etc.
- Limit your baby’s exposure to crowds, other children, and anyone with colds. Keep them home from school or child care when they are sick and teach them to cover their coughs and sneezes.
- Go germ-free. Disinfect objects and surfaces in your home regularly and avoid exposing your child to smoke from tobacco or other substances.
- Feed your baby breastmilk. It has unique antibodies to prevent and fight infections.
Injections for high-risk infants:
A medication called palivizumab (Synagis®) may reduce the risk of severe RSV infection in some high-risk infants. Your pediatrician will let you know if your baby is a candidate.
Hope on the horizon:
Medicine is always advancing! Scientists are currently studying vaccines to prevent and medications to treat RSV. We may have more options in the future. In the meantime, rest assured that most children recover well from RSV and grow to be healthy adults.
Should your children take swim lessons if they are too young to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
From the American Academy of Pediatrics;
ANSWER
Yes, swimming is a great family activity. It’s good exercise and a life-saving skill. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends water safety and swim lessons for all children as a layer of protection against drowning. While a COVID-19 vaccine for younger children is not yet available, taking extra precautions can take help lower the risk of COVID-19 exposure during swim lessons.
Choosing a swim program during COVID-19
When considering swim lessons for your children, look for programs that follow the same public health guidelines used to protect against COVID-19 during other children’s activities, such as school and sports. This includes keeping kids home if they are not feeling well, have had a fever within the last couple days, or have had close contact with someone with COVID-19 within the past two weeks. Also check that staff and visitors are screened for COVID-19 symptoms.
More questions to consider
- Are lessons held indoors or outdoors?
If possible, choose outdoor swim lessons. COVID-19 can spread easily in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. - How many students are in each class?
Check that the class size is small and the pool allows for participants to stay at least 3 feet apart. Also ask if there are separate entrances and exits to the locker room and pool area. This can also help reduce close physical contact. - Have instructors and staff received COVID-19 vaccinations?
Ask if instructors and staff are vaccinated. And even if they are vaccinated, they should still wear a mask outside of the pool. That goes for any child older than 2 who is not in the water, and also you and the entire swim school staff. Just be sure to replace your child’s mask if it is wet. - Are guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting followed?
Ask if the swim program follows all CDC guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting all equipment and surfaces. Also check that hand sanitizer is available for kids and adults to use.
Other tips to help prevent COVID-19 transmission
- Skip the locker room. If possible, avoid using the locker rooms and other shared spaces. Have your child put their swimsuit on at home so they can head right to the class.
- Bring your own towels, drinking water and other items that may be needed.
- Get COVID-19 vaccines as soon as you can. Vaccination is the best way to control the pandemic and will make important children’s activities like swim lessons safer for everyone. Adults and children 12 years and older can be vaccinated now, and younger children will be able to get them soon.
A layer of safety
Enrolling your children in swim lessons is definitely a good idea, even if they haven’t had their COVID-19 vaccine yet. But keep in mind that swimming skills are only one layer to help keep kids safe in and around water. It’s important to remember that swim lessons do not make your child drown-proof.
Even though your child is in a swim lesson, be a water watcher—watch your child and watch for any child who may be in distress. Take CPR and First Aid classes which will teach you what to do for a drowning victim.
Remember
Everyone, including adults, should learn to swim. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises that water safety and swim lessons can begin for many children starting at age 1. Check with your pediatrician to help you make the decision when to start swim lessons, and other ways to help protect your child against COVID-19.
Healthy Popsicle Recipes
Here are some easy and healthy popsicle recipes for a refreshing treat on a hot summer day!
Healthy Strawberry Cheesecake Popsicles:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, Stems emoved
- 1 1/2 cups plain or vanilla yogurt
- 2 tbsp. of honey (Optional; for kids 1+)
Directions:
- 1.) Combine all ingredients into blender and puree until smooth
- 2.) Pour mixture in popsicle mold and insert sticks
- 3.) Place in freezer for 4-6 hours or until firm
Raspberry Antioxidant Popsicles:
Ingredients:
- 6 oz. fresh raspberries (cleaned & diced)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon zest
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- *To make this recipe vegan or dairy-free, simply substitute the yogurt with a dairy-free alternative.*
Directions:
- 1.) Combine sugar and lemon zest in a mixing bowl. Mix well.
- 2.) Add yogurt and lemon juice. Mix until smooth.
- 3.) Add raspberries to the mixture and stir to incorporate.
- 4.) Pour the mixture into popsicle molds. Insert sticks and place into the freezer.
- 5.) Let freeze for 4 hours, or until frozen solid.
Stay Safe this 4th of July
From the American Academy of Pediatrics;
On any other day of the year, would you hand your child matches or a flaming candle to play with? Probably, a hard no.
You work so hard all year long to keep your child safe.
Don’t let the 4th of July mess with your common sense.
With many 4th of July fireworks shows cancelled because of COVID-19 this year, there’s been a big jump in consumer fireworks sold. Lighting fireworks in the backyard or nearby field might seem like a festive and fun way to entertain the kids. However, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured each year while using fireworks.
Most of these injuries happen in the month around the 4th of July. In fact, an average of 180 people go to the emergency room with fireworks-related injuries every day during this time!
| The AAP is part of the Alliance to Stop Consumer Fireworks, a group of health and safety organizations that urges the public to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and to only enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals. |
|---|
Fireworks were involved at least 12 deaths and more than 10,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2019, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Children under 15 accounted for more than a third of the injuries, which included burns and wounds to the hands, fingers and arms, the head and face, and eyes. Some of the most severe and fatal injuries happened when lit fireworks seemed not to work correctly and were being held by the victim when they exploded.
Safer ways to celebrate
View from a distance. While there are fewer community firework displays this year, some are going forward with firm social distancing rules in place. Some communities will be launching the fireworks higher so they can be seen from farther distances. Others are being held in parking lots so families can stay in their cars to view them. In addition, some displays will be televised for home viewing.
Wave a flag instead of a sparkler. Sparklers may seem relatively harmless, as fireworks go. But according to the CPSC, nearly half of fireworks injuries to children under age 5 are related to sparklers. Surprising? Consider this:
- Sparklers burn at an extremely high heat: 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.
- Sparks can ignite clothing on fire and cause eye injuries.
- Touching a lit sparkler to skin can result in third degree burns.
There were about 900 emergency department-treated injuries associated with sparklers in 2019. Roughly 800 more injuries were related to firecrackers, and 400 more to bottle rockets.
Even if fireworks are legal to purchase and use in your community, they are not safe around children.
Keep the 4th of July fun, and leave the fireworks to the professionals.