Tina Q Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS

As the rollout of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in the community increases, it is time to start thinking how we can offer these vaccines in a streamlined, effective manner. Clinical trials of COVID-19 vaccines are now being conducted in children above age 12, and we hope that a vaccine will be available for the pediatric population by the fall of 2021. With the emergence of new COVID-19 variants, questions have arisen about the current vaccines’ effectiveness against them. The estimated percentage of people that must be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity has slowly increased to 80%. This gives us some food for thought, as the pediatric population accounts for about 25% of the US population, a considerably larger portion than that of other countries. In this month’s issue, several must-read articles:

“Seasonal allergies: What every pediatrician needs to know”

 is an excellent review of current allergens, protocols for treatment, and specific things to be aware of.

 return to sports and active play of children who tested positive for COVID-19

 provides excellent guidance for pediatric health care providers including what to monitor and evaluate prior to return. This is an issue that is rapidly evolving and there has been a major increase in questions as more schools return to in school learning and resume club sports and play.

 underscores the idea that media use can lead to a decrease in the quality and duration of sleep, especially if it occurs prior to bedtime.

As always­ I recommend your comments­ suggestions­ and questions. Please stay safe and well.

Articles

Dr. Tan looks toward what the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine rollout could look like in pediatrics and shares her must-read articles from the March 2021 issue of Contemporary Pediatrics.

The road to normal

As 2021 gets underway and an increasing number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are administered, I believe that 2021 will be much more of a “normal” year, especially with the hope of COVID-19 vaccine availability for children by fall 2021. This month’s issue features several must read articles on topics including COVID-19 that are relevant to all of us in pediatric medicine:

“Influenza and RSV during the season of COVID-19”

 is an excellent review for the pediatric practitioner of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus diagnosis, treatment, and new vaccines now available.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a glaring spotlight on the major racial, ethnic, and health disparities that have long been present in our society, and these disparities are present in all age groups. The article 

 examines the different forms of racial bias that children face and how it impacts their health care. Issues discussed include illnesses more prevalent in children of color, such as asthma, sickle cell disease, and COVID-19; the difference in pain management for White children versus children of color; and how bias impacts mental health issues in children of color. This article highlights a prevalent issue not frequently given careful consideration.

 is a practical look at the way antibiotics are used and reminds us of the critical, widespread problem of antibiotic resistance in common infections seen in daily practice.

As Confucius said­ “It does not matter how slow you go as long as you don’t stop.” As always­ I welcome your suggestions­ comments­ and questions.

Editor-in-chief Dr. Tina Q. Tan shares her can't miss articles from the February 2021 issue of Contemporary Pediatrics.

At last, a silver lining

It is hard to believe that 2021 has arrived. I am sure we all are happy to bid 2020 farewell and are looking forward to a much more “normal” year in 2021.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge across the country and stay at home orders, travel bans, and other restrictions remain in place, the Emergency Use Authorization of 2 COVID-19 vaccines brings a most welcomed glimmer of hope to obtaining some control over this pandemic. The start of large COVID-19 vaccine trials in children are planned for these next several months, with the hope of vaccine availability for children by the 4th quarter of 2021. This month’s issue has several “must read” articles:

, which provides a comprehensive review of different aspects of COVID-19 in the pediatric population.

The pandemic has fostered the exponential growth of social media outlets and the creation of many social media challenges, some of which present significant danger to a person’s health and well-being. The pediatric pharmacology article in this issue addresses the 

 that is trending on TikTok and discusses the dangers of and treatment for this challenge.

The pandemic has created nutritional challenges for persons of all ages. The nutrition article looks at the nutritional needs of children during the winter months and the importance of 

Best wishes for a peaceful, healthy, and happy New Year. As Oprah Winfrey states “Cheers to a New Year and another chance to get it right”. Please stay safe and well. And as always, I welcome your suggestions, comments, and questions.

Dr. Tina Q. Tan wonders how the event of 2020 will affect 2021.

New Year’s greetings!

I first want to extend an official welcome to the latest additions to the Editorial Advisory Board: Dr Candice Jones—a general pediatrician practicing in Orlando, Florida and Dr Amin Barakat—a professor of Clinical Pediatrics and Pediatric Nephrology at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, DC. Both these individuals bring incredible passion and diverse talent to the editorial board.

As the COVID­-19 pandemic surges again across the country and new restrictions, travel bans, and stay­-at­-home orders are implemented‑ the specter of “COVID­-19 fatigue” becomes increasingly apparent. As we all continue to work to provide the most comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients, it is important to remember to care for ourselves. As cliché as it sounds, self-­care and wellness are now more important than ever. I was recently reminded of this while attending a very busy inpatient infectious diseases service with a number of severely ill patients, including those with COVID­-19 associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Working long hours with very sick patients day in and day out‑ getting little sleep, not taking time to eat, putting everyone else’s needs before your own personal needs, in addition to juggling other responsibilities is not sustainable or healthy. In the midst of the chaos, a friend reminded me that I cannot provide the level of care to my patients that I am accustomed to if I don’t take care of myself. Incorporating moments during the day to recharge helps to build resilience and allows one to work through challenges. As Mary Holloway said, “Resilience is knowing that you are the only one that has the power and the responsibility to pick yourself up.”

As we move deep into the winter season‑ please stay safe and well. And as always‑ I welcome your suggestions‑ comments‑ and questions.

Dr. Tina Q. Tan mulls over the need for self-care and the very real specter of COVID-19 fatigue.

Tina Q Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS

Articles

The road to normal

At last, a silver lining

New Year’s greetings!

Reflecting on the pandemic