UP healthcare systems urge vaccinations to protect children
Sault Sainte Marie Evening NewsMay 12, 2021
May 10—A letter was issued on behalf of
"This is a message from your
The letter explained that COVID-19 vaccines prove to be more than 99 percent effective in preventing illness, hospitalizations and deaths in the state. The healthcare system is in a race against aggressive variants that increase the risk of hospitalizations for both adults and children. The goal is to protect everyone, including children, as they are not immune to COVID-19 and its long-term complications such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome. This is also known as MIS-C.
Reports show severe cases of MIS-C have occurred in children, even those who presented asymptomatic for COVID-19. The long-term health impacts can be devastating. Though rare, in
Pediatric depression rates are rising and well-child visits are declining along with childhood vaccination rates, said the letter.
It called upon parents and caregivers to get vaccinated to protect not only yourself, but the people around you as children 16 years of age and under cannot get vaccinated as of yet. There has been a significant COVID-19 community spread in schools and youth sports. Making the individual choice to get vaccinated can protect the people around you and keep children out of quarantine.
"We are just as fatigued and ready for a new normal as you are," the letter read. "As the health experts, we are urging fellow Yoopers to help us get there and keep everyone in the community — especially our kids — safe and healthy. Get tested, especially after travel, wear a mask in public, avoid large gatherings, limit time with those outside of your household, wash hands often and get vaccinated as soon as possible."
The letter was signed by numerous
"As part of the
According to the
In the state of
Since the letter was issued, the
The governor announcing the "MI Vacc To Normal Challenge" last week is another reason to be hopeful and receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The science and data are proving that vaccinations work in protecting against the virus.
"The more Michiganders vaccinated, the faster we all can return to a sense of pre-pandemic normalcy," said the
Contact your child's doctor, nurse, or clinic right away if your child is showing symptoms of MIS-C:
— Fever
— Abdominal pain
— Vomiting
— Diarrhea
— Neck pain
— Rash
— Bloodshot eyes
— Feeling extra tired
Be aware that not all children will have all the same symptoms.
Seek emergency care right away if your child is showing any of these emergency warning signs of MIS-C or other concerning signs:
— Trouble breathing
— Pain or pressure in the chest that does not go away
— New confusion
— Inability to wake or stay awake
— Pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone
— Severe abdominal pain
For the latest information on COVID-19, visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirus or www.cdc.gov/coronavirus. For local updates, visit www.chippewahd.com or www.warmemorialhospital.org.
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