The road to normal

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.

The article on the 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.

The report on sleep problems in children 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.

With warmest regards,

Tina

Tina Q Tan., MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS