As the start of school rapidly approaches, we at North Fulton Pediatrics want to remind you of the CDC‘s latest recommendations to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone ages 12 and up should get vaccinated as soon as possible. This is our number one defense against this virus. As of the afternoon of July 27, 2021, the CDC is again recommending masks for all indoor activities regardless of whether a person has been vaccinated, in areas of substantial or high transmission (that includes Georgia!). They specifically recommend that all students, teachers, and anyone else in the school building for grades K through 12 wear a mask. We strongly support that recommendation.

This return to a recommendation for indoor masking is due to new evidence about the most common strain of the virus that is currently causing infection in the US – the Delta variant. This strain is so contagious that it can even be transmitted from a vaccinated person. But a vaccinated person is still 20 times less likely to be sick enough to be hospitalized or die from Covid if they get infected so it is definitely still critical to get the shot.

The Pfizer vaccine is approved for use in children ages 12 and up (as well as adults). The Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines can be given to those 18 and older. We can schedule an appointment for your child to get the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine at our office. They can also get these shots at most pharmacies. (The research for younger children is in progress and we should have recommendations for younger children some time this fall.)