Texas Children’s joins other medical entities across the country in recommending both masks and vaccination to protect against COVID-19
Like many hospitals across our region, Texas Children’s continues to experience a surge of COVID-19 cases, combined with a highly unusual summer surge of patients diagnosed with Respiratory syncytial virus.
To protect children and their families as school resumes, and in accordance with recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Texas Children’s Hospital recommends everyone, regardless of their vaccination status, wear a mask indoors – including at school. We know how important it is developmentally for kids to attend school in-person, but it is of utmost importance that they do so in an environment that is as safe as possible.
As the largest children’s hospital in the nation, we, along with other leaders, are dedicated to doing all we can to protect those who are most vulnerable, including children under 12 who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated. Now, more than ever, it is important for everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and remain vigilant about wearing a mask, washing hands frequently and thoroughly, maintaining social distancing and avoiding large gatherings. It will take all of us working together to get through this pandemic and we must ensure our children are protected in the process.
We also know that many of you are not only health care professionals, but parents as well. This is a challenging time, both personally and professionally, and we want to do all we can to help all children enjoy a safe and successful school year.
You are likely receiving questions from parents, schools and the community. Please click here to view available resources, including blog posts and a video about the Delta variant and how to help children cope with back-to-school anxiety, as well as high-level talking points about Texas Children’s response to this surge.