OCPS Medical Advisory Committee preparing for public forum on COVID-19 response, vaccinating kids

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.

READ: When can 12- to 15-year-olds get the Pfizer vaccine; what are the risks; will schools require it?

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?”

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.

READ: UCF no longer requires students to wear masks on campus

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.

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.”

READ: Fauci says indoor mask rules should begin to be relaxed

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