News & Stories for Oregonians
It’s not always easy being young, but throw in a pandemic with the isolation, uncertainty and missed milestones that go with it, it’s not only hard but can lead to mental health challenges. Unlike adults who’ve had years of experiences that help develop coping skills, kids are still learning and growing. In his 2021 advisory, […]
On Dec. 3, 2021, the agency expanded emergency use of bamlanivimab/etesevimab to include all patients at risk of severe disease, including newborns. “Children under one year of age who are exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 may be at particularly high risk for severe COVID-19 and this authorization addresses the medical needs of this vulnerable population,” said Patrizia Cavazzoni, M.D., director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
As a parent, guardian or caregiver, worrying about the health and safety of our children seems to be ever-present since the first day they come into our lives. For families deciding whether or not to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, understanding more about myocarditis and pericarditis might be helpful when deciding what is best for your child.
Over the past two years, we’ve heard how cleaning and disinfecting is good precaution to lower the risk of spreading COVID-19, especially in common spaces and school settings. But if not used properly, chemicals found in cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting products can be hazardous to health. Children are particularly vulnerable to potential health effects from chemicals in these products.
Fighting a pandemic is hard; fighting a pandemic with bad information is like throwing oil on a fire. It just makes the problem that much worse. Here, we take a look with Dr. Bukhosi Dube at some of the common misconceptions about vaccinations. Risk of myocarditis is greater from COVID-19 than from COVID-19 vaccines Parents […]
Every layer matters. By improving airflow and circulation with outside air, schools can make sure that COVID-19 virus droplets are dispersed and diluted by fresh air. Also, filtration of indoor air helps remove airborne particles than can contain the COVID-19 virus.
For 10-year-old Alex, it has been a very long wait to get his COVID-19 vaccination. Alex has asthma and has already been hospitalized a couple of times with it in his short life. “As soon as he gets either a cold or any kind of virus it goes into his lungs and he requires two different inhalers,” said his mother Kimberly.
Every layer matters. Regular COVID-19 testing will help Oregon schools identify cases of COVID-19 infection early. Combined with cohorting, this will also help schools determine which students or staff need to isolate or quarantine to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to others.
When word came last week that the Pfizer pediatric vaccine had been approved for children ages 5 through 11, Lori Robinson had two questions: when and where? She added her sons Rowdy, 8, and Stetson, 5, to their family doctor’s wait list, but days later when she learned the vaccine was available at the local hospital, she was on her way.
Following review of recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup has confirmed that pediatric doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children are safe and effective for children ages 5 through 11.
