The Louisiana Department of Health on Monday released its guidance for parents of children ages six months to four year regarding the newly-authorized COVID shots. In short, it wants parents to get their children the shots.
"CDC and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) recommend that all eligible children receive the COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves and their families," the department urged. "The COVID-19 vaccines are proven to be safe for children ages 6 months and up and help guard against severe COVID-19 outcomes, including certain heart conditions, long-term complications, hospitalization and death."
Louisiana is currently experiencing an increase in COVID cases and hospitalizations. Twenty-one children in Louisiana have died from COVID-19, and none were vaccinated.
While younger COVID patients are less likely to suffer severe outcomes compared to older individuals, LDH says hundreds of youngsters have suffered sever complications.
"COVID-19 can cause severe complications in some children, including over 300 Louisiana children who have been diagnosed with the life-threatening condition multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C)," said LDH. "Vaccinating your children will reduce their chance of contracting severe complications from COVID-19."
"Many parents are eager to extend this protection to their younger children and we are pleased they now have the opportunity to do so," said Dr. Joe Kanter, LDH State Health Officer. "With the addition of this younger age group, we recommend everyone in the family ages 6 months and up receive the COVID-19 vaccine."
LDH says parents and caregivers should contact their child's pediatrician to schedule the shots. More information can be found by clicking here and here.
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