During the coronavirus pandemic, your family's health is a top priority. But many are avoiding doctor's offices these days for routine visits including regular check-ups for children.
Everyone is waiting for the day when there is a vaccine for the coronavirus, in hopes that things will start going back to normal. Unfortunately, while we wait, many parents are avoiding other vaccines.
According to the centers for disease control and prevention, there has been a notable decrease in childhood vaccines ordered through the federal program that immunizes half of the country's children. The drop began the week after President Trump declared a national emergency due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In Washington state, the state health department saw a 30-percent drop in childhood vaccines in March, and preliminary data shows a 42-percent decrease in April.
The CDC says while it might not be an issue now, once social distancing is relaxed, those who aren't immunized will once again be at risk.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says if children are not getting their regular vaccines, they are likely missing other important check-ups, like developmental screenings. They are urging pediatricians and parents to stay on top of it and reassuring nervous parents that it's safe to visit their doctor.
