As pediatricians, we understand how bewildered, overwhelmed, and isolated parents feel as society begins to reopen. They’ve been bombarded with conflicting guidance, from economists likening unvaccinated children to vaccinated grandparents, to politicians urging a complete return to normalcy as if the pandemic had never happened. Other parents express their fears about reopening to unvaccinated children, especially as basic precautions like indoor mask-wearing are lifted almost daily. Parents find themselves adrift in a sea of extreme recommendations that often overlook the best interests of children.
We want to provide hope grounded in science and logic. With the arrival of warmer weather and an increase in vaccination rates, we are entering a summer that could signal a return to normalcy. Parents can feel a sense of security as vaccination rates rise, even before most children are eligible for the vaccine. Emerging data shows how effectively vaccines reduce transmission, allowing vaccinated adults to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and enhance children’s safety. Fortunately, the mortality rates for children who contract COVID-19 remain exceedingly low, offering some reassurance amidst ongoing uncertainty.
However, as pediatricians, we are acutely aware of the myriad impacts of COVID-19 on children. We’ve witnessed rare but severe cases of acute COVID-19, the serious post-COVID inflammatory condition known as MIS-C, and the lingering repercussions this pandemic has had on children worldwide. It’s essential to recognize that while COVID-19 poses a threat to children—especially with the emergence of new variants—it’s possible to remain optimistic without succumbing to fear.
While some focus solely on mortality statistics to justify a swift return to pre-pandemic summer activities, COVID-19 still poses risks to children. The 0.03% mortality rate is merely one aspect of pediatric risk assessment, neglecting the morbidity associated with COVID-19. It fails to account for the serious MIS-C cases, long-haul symptoms in adolescents, and the isolation and missed schooling that could rob children of summer experiences. Relying solely on mortality rates overlooks that every statistic represents a child—often a vulnerable one—whose life is invaluable. Additionally, we still have much to learn about the long-term effects of this unpredictable virus.
After a year of emotional distress and social sacrifice, it’s crucial for our children to return to normal activities. We do not advocate for prolonged isolation; rather, we believe that making thoughtful and strategic choices about reintroducing unvaccinated children to a pre-pandemic lifestyle is key to ending the pandemic swiftly and avoiding further restrictions.
The latest CDC recommendations lifting indoor mask mandates for vaccinated individuals risk leaving many behind. With businesses removing mask requirements and hoping for honesty in vaccination status, community protection is compromised. Tragically, society has prioritized adult convenience over the health and safety of vulnerable populations, including children. After a year where restaurants reopened before schools and sports events aired live while parents couldn’t stay with their hospitalized toddlers, it’s cruel that children again bear the burden of our impatience.
While it’s challenging to shift an entire nation’s perspective on the pandemic and its commitment to protecting children, that is the daily mission of pediatricians and parents alike. Even when guidelines overlook the best interests of children, we will continue to prioritize their needs. So how can we ensure this summer is as safe and joyful as possible for children who have already endured so much? The answer is simpler than it seems. Amidst debates and black-and-white thinking, we propose a new framework and a fresh call to action.
It’s time to return to basics. The idea of a “normal” summer needs reevaluation. Lavish getaways and large indoor gatherings pose risks that may outweigh the benefits given the current circumstances. Instead, parents can embrace a gradual return to enjoyable summer activities. Simple joys like summer camps, outdoor gatherings, indoor playdates with vaccinated adults, and finally reconnecting with loved ones can be milestones that restore our children’s spirits. Families can safely catch up with now-vaccinated relatives, with grandparents traveling to visit their grandchildren.
By focusing on safe activities, we can build towards herd immunity and ultimately end the pandemic. The silver linings of this experience may be few, but they include the chance to refocus our parenting. Extravagant vacations can wait; what children need most is time spent with loved ones, joy, and play. This summer, let’s prioritize reconnecting and enhancing the quality of our time together, as that is truly what children need.
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In summary, this summer is an opportunity to prioritize what truly matters for children—connection, joy, and safety. By embracing simple pleasures and making thoughtful decisions, we can help children recover from the impacts of the pandemic.