As the summer months come to a close and families prepare for the return to school, it's time for pediatricians to turn their attention to the upcoming autumn vaccination season. With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing to evolve and new vaccine recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), physicians must take proactive steps to ensure their young patients are protected. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to prepare!
For the 2024-2025 season, the AAP recommends COVID-19 vaccination for patients six months and older, and assures pediatricians that “Any licensed vaccine appropriate for age and health status can be used.”
Evolving virus strains and reduced protection from previous vaccines have led the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to recommend updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone six months and older ahead of this year’s viral season.
Narratives around COVID-19 evolve and change, as do the virus’s lineages, so it’s critical for pediatric practices to prepare to address questions and vaccine hesitancy with the latest information. According to the an article from the AAP News, “ACIP COVID-19 vaccine work group Chair Matthew F. Daley, M.D., FAAP… lamented that some parents are under the mistaken impression COVID-19 doesn’t cause severe illness in children.
“‘It does cause bad disease in children, just less frequently than it does in older groups, and I think that narrative, we need to change,” he said. “ … There’s significant burden in pediatric age groups that can be prevented through vaccination.’”
Last year, child vaccination for COVID-19 was low, leading ACIP members to encourage the FDA to lower the cost of vaccines to improve cost-efficiency for practices ordering them, and to encourage physicians to talk to their patients about the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for children.
You might consider a vaccine clinic or drive-thru event to encourage mass vaccinations at your practice. These specialized events can be an effective way to efficiently administer the necessary immunizations to many patients in a short period. Check out our previous articles on the subject for detailed help on events from flu clinics to drive-thru clinics.
A dedicated event or events makes vaccination easier and more convenient for parents, and encourages social support by bringing people together as a community. This can help improve overall vaccination rates and ensure that the community is well-protected against preventable diseases. Remember: make the event fun for staff and patients! A festive atmosphere with decorations, costumes, hats, or edible treats can help brighten the day.
In addition to planning the logistics of the vaccination clinic or drive-thru event, pediatricians should also take steps to communicate with families ahead of time about the importance of getting their children vaccinated. Meaningful communication about health concerns can increase trust and relationships between pediatricians and their families.
This communication is perhaps most effective in-person, but can be done through a variety of channels, such as:
By proactively reaching out to families and emphasizing the importance of vaccination, the pediatrician can help to increase awareness and encourage higher participation rates. This, in turn, can lead to better overall health outcomes for the community.
Finally, it's important for the pediatrician to educate families on the importance of vaccination. While many parents may already be aware of the benefits of immunization, it's always helpful to reinforce this message and address any concerns or misconceptions that may be present.
During the vaccination clinic or drive-thru event, staff and physicians should take the opportunity to have a relatable conversation with each family about the specific vaccines being administered. This can include explaining the purpose of the vaccine, the potential side effects, and the long-term benefits of protecting their child against preventable diseases.
Your practice can help build trust and confidence in the vaccination process by taking a proactive and educational approach.
As the autumn vaccination season approaches, pediatricians must take the necessary steps to prepare their practices and protect their young patients. The great news? With your existing resources, you can begin right now to ensure your patients get the protection and easy access to important healthcare they deserve.