COVID-19 Vaccines

 Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a  new virus that can spread from person to person. • COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness. 

 You can become infected by coming into close contact (about 6 feet or two arm lengths) with a person who has COVID-19.   You can become infected from respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. • You may also be able to get it by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it, and then by touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. 

The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19. • Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others. • Wear a cloth face covering that covers your nose and mouth in public settings. • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces. • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcoholbased hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. 

Risk factors

 Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19. • Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at higher risk for more severe illness.  

​​​​You may have heard news reports about a possible connection between COVID-19 and a rare but​ serious health condition in children called Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). We are watching this very carefully and trying to learn all that we can about it.​

We want to reassure parents that most children are not affected by the coronavirus, and reports of children who become seriously ill remain rare and unusual cases.

 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has made a connection between COVID-19 and Multi-System Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). While we do not know who is most at risk for this illness, scientists around the world are working hard to understand this syndrome and how best to treat it. ​ 

MIS-C has been compared to another rare childhood condition, Kawasaki Disease, because it shares some of the same symptoms. But we now know this is a different illness. If you notice any of the following symptoms, call your pediatrician:

• a fever lasting more than 24 hours
• abdominal pain, diarrhea or vomiting
• rash or changes in skin color
• trouble breathing
• your child seems confused or overly sleepy​

Be sure to let your pediatrician know if your child has tested positive for COVID-19 or has been exposed to the virus. Your pediatrician will let you know you if your child can be seen in the office or if you need to go to the emergency department.