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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThe pandemic has caused parents and caregivers in Nevada and across the nation to postpone routine well-child checkups, including immunizations. This puts millions of children at risk for exposure to 14 preventable diseases, including the measles and whooping cough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEnsuring children are up to date on their vaccines is critical, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to prevent further outbreaks,\u201d says Heidi Parker, executive director of Immunize Nevada. \u201cCOVID-19 is a reminder of the challenges we face when fighting a disease without an available vaccine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since March, Nevada has seen a 64% decrease in routine childhood vaccinations. In recent weeks, Parker says the number of Nevada children being vaccinated has started to go back up gradually, as reported by the Nevada State Immunization Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For almost two months now, Nevadans have been directed to stay home and only visit the doctor if necessary, including pediatric visits. Both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)<\/a> and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)<\/a> advised doctors to maintain vaccine schedules as persistently as possible, especially for young children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The CDC\u2019s MMWR report published May 8, 2020<\/a> sheds light on successes and where improvement is needed for maintaining childhood vaccines during the pandemic. The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program served as a data collection point to monitor changes in vaccine administration and ordering through the CDC\u2019s Vaccine Tracking System and Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The report highlights a decline in VFC-funded vaccines from January 6, 2020 through April 19, 2020, with an evident dip a week after the declaration of the national emergency. A decline is identified in measles-containing vaccine administration beginning March 16, 2020, but the decrease was less prominent in infants younger than 2 years old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Late March showed an increase in vaccine rates in younger children when compared to their older counterparts. This slight increase signifies that public health efforts to encourage regularly scheduled vaccinations among infants under 2 had at least some success. Strategies include reminding patients of overdue vaccines and changing office workflows and procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A statement from the Nevada chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics put it this way: \u201cIt\u2019s highly recommended children and infants continue to receive their vaccines as originally scheduled. The provider\u2019s office and check-in process will look different. Please contact your provider\u2019s office and ask how they\u2019re handling the coronavirus outbreak to best prepare for your visit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n As Nevada begins to reopen some businesses and allow more social activities, more people will begin to congregate. And with more children missing their regularly scheduled vaccines, the CDC points out that more of them will be vulnerable to preventable diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parker urges local parents to contact a health care professional or the local health district to schedule an appointment to catch up on vaccines that may have been missed. Additionally, those who are new to Nevada, or have a child or children entering kindergarten or the 7th<\/sup> grade can schedule an appointment now to avoid the back-to-school rush and ensure that all vaccines are up to date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another increasing concern is the loss of employment and health insurance. Immunize Nevada reminds worried parents and others that they do not have to forgo vaccines because of recent job or coverage loss, as the VFC program can help. The program is federally funded and helps to provide vaccines at little or no cost for eligible children through medical practices that are VFC-enrolled. VFC provides vaccines to about 60% of all children in Nevada. More information on eligibility can be found at Nevada\u2019s VFC website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parents and caregivers can also access their children\u2019s vaccine records through Nevada WebIZ, Nevada\u2019s private online system that houses vaccination records and related information. Navigating its public access portal<\/a> is simple and can be done from home. If assistance is needed, e-mail izit@health.nv.gov<\/a> or call (775) 684-5954.<\/p>\n\n\n\n About Immunize Nevada<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Immunize Nevada is widely recognized as Nevada\u2019s trusted resource for immunizations and community health for all ages by fostering education and statewide collaboration. Immunize Nevada\u2019s vision is healthy communities across Nevada protected from vaccine-preventable disease. For more information, visit ImmunizeNevada.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"