For many, the warm weather and the chance to take the mask off is a reason to celebrate. But for parents of young children, pediatricians say the new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mean more decisions need to be made.
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB / WSHM) – We expect Governor Charlie Baker to announce updated reopening guidelines here in Massachusetts early next week. This is in line with federal government guidelines that fully vaccinated people can dispose of their masks indoors.
That has raised questions about wearing a mask for those who cannot get the vaccine.
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB / WSHM) – One day after the Center for Disease Control and Prevention issued a …
For many, the warm weather and the chance to take the mask off is a reason to celebrate. But for parents of young children, pediatricians say the new guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mean more decisions need to be made.
“Protect and serve at all costs, so that’s what I want to do,” said recent graduate Shaquan Irving.
Shaquan Irving on Friday morning not only celebrated his graduation from Westfield State University’s criminal justice program, but also the CDC’s new advice that fully vaccinated people should no longer need masks indoors.
“Without a mask, why not if you have been fully vaccinated?” Irving said.
Shaquan’s mom, Shawanda Brown, is proud to see her son graduate and tells Western Mass News she’s still okay with wearing a mask.
BOSTON (WGGB / WSHM) – Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker is expected to provide an update on the …
“For me. I just want to still be safe because there are people who haven’t been vaccinated,” said Brown.
But what about those too young to get the vaccine?
Western Mass News got this question in our inbox with answers from a parent asking about their children, all under the age of 12.
Baystate Health pediatrician John O’Reilly says that’s missing the new advice from the CDC.
“The CDC counseling is a little bit of trouble for parents,” said O’Reilly.
With no age-specific recommendations, O’Reilly says parents should weigh the risks of any situation their children face.
“Outdoors is much safer than indoors,” said O’Reilly.
He also says the child’s health and age should play a role.
“If your child is under nine, even if they catch it running in the playground, they are less likely to give it to any of the other adults in the family,” said O’Reilly.
He also tells Western Mass News that it is critical to consider older members of the family with whom the child may be in close contact.
“If you are a parent and you want your child to go out to play, the best thing you can do is get yourself and your family members vaccinated,” said O’Reilly.
At the moment, only the Pfizer vaccine is available for children 12 and older, but several vaccine manufacturers are studying versions of their shots for younger children.
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