A new CDC report found that children under 5 are being vaccinated for COVID-19 at lower rates than older children.
Black and Latino children in Los Angeles County younger than 5 have COVID-19 vaccination rates in the single digits, reflecting a broad trend nationwide that has public health experts concerned and seeking ways to boost those figures.
The CDC report found that race and ethnicity were known for about 71% of vaccinated children under 5 years old. Among children whose race and ethnicity was known and had received at least the first COVID-19 dose, 55% were white, 20% were Latino, 13% were Asian and 7% were Black. Nearly 3.5 million COVID-19 cases have been reported among children under 5, with 689 deaths from the virus in that age group, according to the CDC. Public health officials and healthcare providers have also been monitoring rare cases of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C among kids who were recently infected with COVID-19.With the CDC expected to allow COVID vaccines for infants and toddlers, California’s youngest children may start receiving shots by early next week.
But Shapiro said some families have told him that “kids don’t get sick” or that COVID-19 is “just like the flu” in explaining why they haven’t had their kids vaccinated. He said he often reminds them that the flu is also dangerous for younger children. Dr. Shanika Boyce, a pediatrician and assistant professor at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Willowbrook, said she thinks about a mother who came in with her son who was experiencing fevers, dehydration, not eating very well and having respiratory issues weeks after having COVID-19.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Navy Pier celebrates Black History Month with Black Makers MarketNavy Pier is honored to celebrate in Black History Month with a new Black Makers Market, live art studio and staff highlights.
Read more »
Black Girl Magic Museum celebrates Black women and their impactThe Black Girl Magic Museum will open in Dallas the first weekend in March. Each exhibit showcases some of the contributions Black women have made — past and present.
Read more »
Black History Heroes: Earl Lloyd, the NBA's first Black player, moved basketball forwardUSA TODAY Sports is publishing the series “28 Black Stories in 28 Days,' during BlackHistoryMonth We examine issues Black athletes continue to face in this nation. Here is one of those stories. Earl Lloyd, the NBA's first Black player, was a force.
Read more »
Black Music Action Coalition and Academy of Country Music Launch Program for Black Artists and ProfessionalsThe Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) and Academy of Country Music have come together to launch OnRamp, a program set to empower the next generation of Black leaders. 👏
Read more »
James Bond Casting Rumors Get Sobering Update From ProducerFollowing several rumors regarding casting for the next James Bond, producer Barbara Broccoli has a sobering update on the overall process.
Read more »