Pupils and students returning to school for the new school year will face one of the most dangerous times of the pandemic. Dr. Leana Wen told CNN:
"At the moment the most contagious version of Delta is circulating. We have an increase in cases and many adults who have given up protection, do not wear masks and refuse to be vaccinated. This is contributing by making the environment dangerous for children."
Health experts say vaccines are an important step in slowing down or stopping the spread of the virus, including the Delta variant. But children (under 12 years old in the US) are still not eligible for vaccination and for vaccinated adults, it takes about 5 weeks for the first dose to "take effect" - This can make children more vulnerable, especially during the beginning of the new school year.
Meanwhile, the American general surgeon, dr. Vivek Murthy says that "it is possible that vaccines will be available for children under the age of 12 before the end of this year".
"While the elderly were once considered the most vulnerable population to the virus, age restrictions around vaccinations have left children most at risk now," said CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner.
He added that "it is clear what is required to make school safe for children" - safeguards. When a measure like social distancing is removed, students gather in classrooms, for example.
Many doctors call for vaccine authorization for children as well, but others think that "children are still too young for the vaccine, so they have to rely on the responsibility of adults."
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Source: CNN
