'Child Vaccinations Plummet 63 Percent, a New Hurdle for N.Y.C. Schools' diff viewer (16/17)

This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on May 20, 2020 22:06 (UTC). It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/20/nyregion/coronavirus-schools-vaccinations.html

The article has changed 51 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Previous version 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Next version

Previous version 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Next version

Version 16	Version 17
Child Vaccinations Plummet 63 Percent, a New Hurdle for N.Y.C. Schools	Child Vaccinations Plummet 63 Percent, a New Hurdle for N.Y.C. Schools
2020-06-24 15:46:56 UTC	2020-07-02 20:35:29 UTC (8 days later)
Reopening schools, pre-K and day care centers safely this fall was always going to be a crucial part of resuming normal life in New York City, and a herculean challenge for the nation’s largest school system.	Reopening schools, pre-K and day care centers safely this fall was always going to be a crucial part of resuming normal life in New York City, and a herculean challenge for the nation’s largest school system.
On Wednesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio raised alarms about an unexpected new hurdle: plummeting rates of childhood vaccinations as anxious parents have kept their children home — and away from doctors’ offices.	On Wednesday, Mayor Bill de Blasio raised alarms about an unexpected new hurdle: plummeting rates of childhood vaccinations as anxious parents have kept their children home — and away from doctors’ offices.
During the height of the pandemic, from March 23 to May 9, the number of vaccine doses administered to children dropped 63 percent compared with the same time last year, and by 91 percent for children older than 2, according to the city health department.	During the height of the pandemic, from March 23 to May 9, the number of vaccine doses administered to children dropped 63 percent compared with the same time last year, and by 91 percent for children older than 2, according to the city health department.
The city is tentatively planning to reopen its 1,800 public schools in September, along with hundreds of day care sites. But children will not be able to start school and relieve their parents of home schooling and child care duties without shots to protect them against illnesses like measles and chickenpox.	The city is tentatively planning to reopen its 1,800 public schools in September, along with hundreds of day care sites. But children will not be able to start school and relieve their parents of home schooling and child care duties without shots to protect them against illnesses like measles and chickenpox.
In a typical year, about 98 percent of the city’s public school students are fully vaccinated.	In a typical year, about 98 percent of the city’s public school students are fully vaccinated.
“The pieces unfortunately start to fit together in a way that should cause parents real concern,” Mr. de Blasio said in his daily news briefing. Unvaccinated children, he said, could be “at greater threat of contracting a disease that could then put them at a greater threat of contracting Covid.”	“The pieces unfortunately start to fit together in a way that should cause parents real concern,” Mr. de Blasio said in his daily news briefing. Unvaccinated children, he said, could be “at greater threat of contracting a disease that could then put them at a greater threat of contracting Covid.”
That is especially urgent now, since New York is seeing a rare but alarming trend of children falling ill with what is being called pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, which appears to be related to the coronavirus and can cause serious illness.	That is especially urgent now, since New York is seeing a rare but alarming trend of children falling ill with what is being called pediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome, which appears to be related to the coronavirus and can cause serious illness.
But pediatricians said they were much more concerned about spikes in preventable diseases that can be much more dangerous for children than the coronavirus.	But pediatricians said they were much more concerned about spikes in preventable diseases that can be much more dangerous for children than the coronavirus.
“We really don’t want to have collateral damage of outbreaks of deadly diseases because we are afraid of Covid-19,” said Dr. Sean T. O’Leary, a pediatric infectious disease specialist in Colorado.	“We really don’t want to have collateral damage of outbreaks of deadly diseases because we are afraid of Covid-19,” said Dr. Sean T. O’Leary, a pediatric infectious disease specialist in Colorado.
The city saw last year just how dangerous low vaccination rates can be, when a spike in measles cases concentrated in Hasidic Jewish neighborhoods prompted a public health scramble to tamp down the extremely infectious yet preventable disease.	The city saw last year just how dangerous low vaccination rates can be, when a spike in measles cases concentrated in Hasidic Jewish neighborhoods prompted a public health scramble to tamp down the extremely infectious yet preventable disease.
“The worst thing that could happen would be to have a measles epidemic after this,” said Dr. Michel Cohen, who oversees dozens of Tribeca Pediatrics offices in New York City. Once measles starts to spread, Dr. Cohen said, “it’s very hard to curtail.” Tribeca Pediatrics saw a 40 percent decrease in vaccines administered between late March and mid-May compared with the same period last year.	“The worst thing that could happen would be to have a measles epidemic after this,” said Dr. Michel Cohen, who oversees dozens of Tribeca Pediatrics offices in New York City. Once measles starts to spread, Dr. Cohen said, “it’s very hard to curtail.” Tribeca Pediatrics saw a 40 percent decrease in vaccines administered between late March and mid-May compared with the same period last year.
Other pediatricians said vaccinations are particularly crucial for young children who have not yet had their first round of immunizations.	Other pediatricians said vaccinations are particularly crucial for young children who have not yet had their first round of immunizations.
“If you don’t stay vigilant, you are looking at whooping cough coming back, more cases of preventable infections,” said Dr. Jason Perlman, a pediatrician and infectious disease specialist who practices in Park Slope and Crown Heights, Brooklyn.	“If you don’t stay vigilant, you are looking at whooping cough coming back, more cases of preventable infections,” said Dr. Jason Perlman, a pediatrician and infectious disease specialist who practices in Park Slope and Crown Heights, Brooklyn.
[Follow our Live Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker.]	[Follow our Live Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker.]
A recent change in state law unrelated to the coronavirus now requires public school families to prove that they are up-to-date with immunizations within 14 days of the first day of school. The city is preparing to implement that practice this fall.	A recent change in state law unrelated to the coronavirus now requires public school families to prove that they are up-to-date with immunizations within 14 days of the first day of school. The city is preparing to implement that practice this fall.
Because children require different vaccinations and boosters at different ages, students in kindergarten through high school have separate requirements from toddlers enrolling in licensed day care centers. But the city requires proof of at least some immunizations for children of all ages in all of the centers and schools it oversees.	Because children require different vaccinations and boosters at different ages, students in kindergarten through high school have separate requirements from toddlers enrolling in licensed day care centers. But the city requires proof of at least some immunizations for children of all ages in all of the centers and schools it oversees.
Vaccination rates have fallen dramatically across the country because of the closures of many practices, as well as fears of taking healthy children to doctors’ offices during the pandemic, though the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that parents continue “well visits” that include vaccinations.	Vaccination rates have fallen dramatically across the country because of the closures of many practices, as well as fears of taking healthy children to doctors’ offices during the pandemic, though the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that parents continue “well visits” that include vaccinations.
In a survey in April, PCC, a pediatric electronic health records company, found that vaccine doses had fallen between 40 and 73 percent for a range of preventable illnesses.	In a survey in April, PCC, a pediatric electronic health records company, found that vaccine doses had fallen between 40 and 73 percent for a range of preventable illnesses.
Dr. O’Leary said that doctors across the country are just beginning to see families come back to their offices for well visits and shots — and not a moment too soon.	Dr. O’Leary said that doctors across the country are just beginning to see families come back to their offices for well visits and shots — and not a moment too soon.
“Most states are still planning on enforcing vaccination requirements for schools,” he said. “It would be better to get them now than to wait for August. If school does start up in August and September, you may have trouble getting into your pediatrician’s office.”	“Most states are still planning on enforcing vaccination requirements for schools,” he said. “It would be better to get them now than to wait for August. If school does start up in August and September, you may have trouble getting into your pediatrician’s office.”
~~Updated June ~~24,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 30, 2020
	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.	Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.	A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.	The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.	The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.	So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.	A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
Dr. Perlman, who has kept his practice open for both well and sick visits, said he ensured that his office is as safe as possible for his staff and families.	Dr. Perlman, who has kept his practice open for both well and sick visits, said he ensured that his office is as safe as possible for his staff and families.
“We don’t want people being scared of us, we are here for them,” he said.	“We don’t want people being scared of us, we are here for them,” he said.
But with many doctors’ offices closed, some New York parents say they have been struggling to schedule vaccinations for months.	But with many doctors’ offices closed, some New York parents say they have been struggling to schedule vaccinations for months.
Lindsey Reynolds had a standing appointment for her 16-month-old daughter to receive vaccinations in early April and was planning to bring her child in despite the pandemic.	Lindsey Reynolds had a standing appointment for her 16-month-old daughter to receive vaccinations in early April and was planning to bring her child in despite the pandemic.
Then she got an email notifying her that her appointment had been canceled, and Ms. Reynolds spent the next few weeks trying to reschedule the visit before finally getting her daughter vaccinated.	Then she got an email notifying her that her appointment had been canceled, and Ms. Reynolds spent the next few weeks trying to reschedule the visit before finally getting her daughter vaccinated.