ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — With Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine approved for certain kids, Orange County Public Schools is working to keep families informed of the implications locally.
The School Board’s Medical Advisory Committee will take questions during a live Zoom event Thursday.
Dr. Annette Nielson is a local Pediatrician and a member of the committee.
She says she’s seen thousands of young patients this year who all have questions about COVID-19.
“Am I going to die? That’s the big one,” Dr. Nielson says. “If I catch it, will it hurt other people?”
Today, FDA expanded the EUA for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of #COVID19 to include adolescents 12-15 years of age. FDA amended the EUA issued on Dec. 11, 2020 for administration in individuals 16 years of age and older. https://t.co/3ROLW8WXwL pic.twitter.com/d9zwg7BS4q
— U.S. FDA (@US_FDA) May 10, 2021
Over the last year, Dr. Nielsen says she’s patiently answered those questions. Now, with COVID-19 vaccines approved for younger children, it will be a major focus.
“Our middle school and our high school kids are the biggest spreaders of COVID, more so because of how strong they cough, how big they laugh and how big they yell. They’re just vocal, boisterous kiddos,” Dr. Nielsen says.
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On Thursday, she and the other members of the committee will take questions directly from parents.
The district will present the most urgent and frequently asked COVID-19 questions it received from students and families.
Dr. Nielsen says her stance is clear: she wants kids vaccinated before school starts, but she knows not everyone is there yet.
The School Board’s Medical Advisory Committee will hold a Q&A session Thursday to answer the most pressing questions from parents and staff about COVID-19 vaccinations. It will be live streamed at 9am on the OCPS YouTube Channel: https://t.co/v750C3ohmx pic.twitter.com/uhSd1R3JO5
— ocpsnews (@OCPSnews) May 11, 2021
For Dr. Nielsen, Thursday’s forum is a way to address misinformation concerns and fears with respect.
“There’s no point in judging somebody if someone’s not getting the vaccine,” Dr. Nielsen says. “Ask why in a nice way and say, ‘what’s your concern? Can we talk about it?’ With any luck, we’ll get more people so that they’re willing to do this.”
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Dr. Nielsen says anyone with questions should write them down and bring them up to the committee or to their child’s pediatrician.
The Q & A session is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Thursday. Click here for access.
Cox Media Group
