As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations spike once again, the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) supports the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent approval of updated COVID-19 vaccines to combat the XBB variants which have met standards for safety, effectiveness and manufacturing quality. Further, we applaud the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee for Immunization Practice Sept. 12 recommendation that all eligible people over the age of 6 months receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine to be protected as we move into respiratory illness season.
With the latest approval and recommendation, health care providers and public health agencies need to work together to increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake to prevent widespread infection, longer lasting symptoms and increased health disparities. COVID-19 vaccines have the potential to help young children stay healthy to enjoy typical age-appropriate socialization and achieve developmental milestones that are critical for their long-term physical and mental health.
Visit NAPNAP’s COVID-19 resources webpage, which has specific links for providers, families and patient age groups. NAPNAP also offers a free provider education to address vaccine hesitancy.
Sept. 14, 2023