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https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/what-top-pediatricians-want-you-know-about-delta-variant-children-n1274536
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A nationwide increase in Covid-19 cases and hospitalizations fueled by
the highly contagious delta variant, which now accounts for the vast
majority of infections, worries many about the most vulnerable as
restrictions are being lifted.
Among them, parents of young children who aren't yet eligible for the
coronavirus vaccines wonder what the delta variant means for their families.
The delta variant now accounts for more than 83 percent of Covid-19
cases, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday. Just
a month ago, the variant accounted for just over 30 percent of new cases.
And on Monday, the American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, recommended
that all children over age 2 wear masks when they return to school this
year, regardless of vaccination status. That contradicted the CDC's
earlier guidance, which was that fully vaccinated students didn't need
masks. Covid-19 vaccines have been authorized only for people ages 12
and up in the U.S.
As parents have been preparing for camp, vacations and the school year
ahead, families are concerned about how safe their summer or fall plans
may be for their kids.
Here's what top pediatricians said about what families should know about
the delta variant and children.
What steps can I take to protect my family?
Emergency use authorization of vaccines for children may not come until
midwinter, a Food and Drug Administration official said recently.
Dr. Jim Versalovic, the pathologist-in-chief and interim
pediatrician-in-chief at Texas Children's Hospital, said: "This variant
is spreading like wildfire. That means that we have to be extra careful
among those who are unvaccinated and partially vaccinated. We're very
concerned about children under 12 who have no access to the vaccine
right now."
Versalovic said doctors had seen a "very dramatic shift" in the last two
to three weeks to where delta is now "by far the most d
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