Health
Health officials monitor new COVID-19 variants
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – The world changed forever with the spread of COVID-19 in 2020. Four years later, a new strain, KP.3, has made its debut and the debate continues.
Western Mass News spoke with pediatrician Dr. John Kelly, who explained that like the flu, different strains of COVID peak at different times and why it's important to stay up to date on vaccines.
One parent we spoke to said she felt the same way: Abby Downing, recalling her experience early on during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We actually had our first child six months into COVID, and it was really hard. Our second child was born in January 2022, so we're still in the middle of COVID,” Downing, of West Hartford, explained.
The conversation came as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned of an increase in a new COVID-19 variant, KP.3, which the CDC reported now accounts for about 25% of cases.
“I think we're past the acute phase now and trying to get past that, so we don't know much about the new variants,” Downing noted.
Her children's health remains her number one priority.
“At this point, we're just as concerned about it as we are with any other virus,” Downing said. “Our kids are fully vaccinated, but unfortunately we've both had COVID at some point in our lives and we got through the disease just fine. I wouldn't say we're overly concerned. We're just going to keep moving forward, just like with any other virus.”
But she had some questions for the doctor.
“If there are vaccine recommendations in the future regarding new variants, then from a pediatrician's standpoint, are children still safe with the existing vaccinations?” Downing added.
We visited local pediatrician Dr. John Kelly in search of answers.
“Right now we have an updated COVID vaccine that, from my understanding, covers this variant pretty well, but there may be some changes to the vaccine this fall,” Dr. Kelly said.
Kelly explained that, like the flu, COVID-19 vaccines will be updated to combat whatever strain becomes dominant.
“When you get a flu shot, its effectiveness changes depending on the variants. The COVID vaccine changes as well, so we don't want to call this a booster vaccine,” Dr. Kelly pointed out. “It's an improved COVID vaccine.”
That's why it's important for parents to make sure their children are up to date on vaccinations, he said.
“We know that getting the vaccine doesn't necessarily prevent you from getting COVID-19, but it does give you peace of mind that you or your child won't get seriously ill with the virus,” Dr. Kelly explained.
So will the improved vaccine expected this fall be approved for children? Dr. Kelly said that's likely because previous COVID vaccines have been approved for anyone over the age of six months.
Copyright 2024. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.
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