Doctor's notes on back to school considerations as COVID-19 delta variant spreads

As kids are beginning to fill their backpacks with needed supplies for the new school year, many parents are taking COVID-19 precautions into consideration as they plan for what back-to-school will look like this fall.

Concerns about the COVID-19 delta variant continue to make headlines, leaving many parents with questions about what to expect for the school year. Following our earlier conversation about the delta variant with Dr. Mark Steffen, vice president and chief medical officer at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, we asked him about back-to-school preparation and what he’s thinking about both as a medical doctor and as a parent. Here’s what he had to say:

What does the timeline look like for vaccination availability for children under the age of 12?

The timeline for when the COVID-19 vaccine will be available for children under the age of 12 is a top concern for many parents. We are understandably eager to know when their children will be eligible to receive the vaccine. Here’s what we know now:

In addition to the recent FDA approval of the first COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 16 and above (with ages 12-15 continuing to be approved for emergency use authorization), an FDA approval for vaccinations for children under 12 remains eagerly anticipated.

Before COVID-19 vaccines can become available for younger children, they need to complete clinical trials. The results of these trials will determine the timing for COVID-19 vaccine availability for younger children (under the age of 12). While an exact timeline has not yet been released, it is estimated that a vaccine for children in grade school will be approved by the end of this year.

It is estimated that a vaccine for children in grade school will be approved by the end of this year.

This Q&A from the American Academy of Pediatrics has good information for parents about expected timing for and considerations about the COVID-19 vaccine and children.

There’s been a lot of conversations around wearing masks in schools. What should parents take into consideration regarding this?

Studies show that wearing a mask offers everyone, regardless of vaccination status, a level of protection against both getting and spreading COVID-19. This is especially important as the new delta variant is highly contagious and can easily spread. With the many unknowns regarding the delta variant, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that all individuals should be masked in schools, regardless of vaccination status. The full CDC guidance for COVID-19 prevention, including masking, can be found on their website as can a summary of the evidence on transmission of COVID-19 in schools.

In Minnesota, the decision regarding whether masks will be required is being determined on a district-by-district level. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has offered guidelines to help schools with prevention efforts, including mask wearing.

I encourage everyone to check their local regulations and school district policies to understand the requirements on masking and consider the risks of not wearing a mask. This is especially important for those who are not yet vaccinated or at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Do you think it’s likely there will be virtual learning again?

Having in-person learning is certainly the most favorable option for my family and many others. We’ve learned that in-person learning with proper protective measures is the best environment for most students. However, we also know that there is a possibility that there will be cases where districts will need to make the choice to switch some children to a virtual learning environment based on individual cases or outbreaks. Fortunately, we have learned a lot in the last year about how to make virtual learning as productive as it can be. While it is cumbersome, schools and parents will be more prepared for that possibility if it should occur.

The best way to avoid this shift is to ensure that everyone who is age 12 or older is vaccinated. If you have an eligible child who is not yet vaccinated, it is best to get them in before the school year begins to keep them and those around them safe.

What should parents ask their child’s doctor about before school starts?

Along with making sure that eligible children have had their COVID-19 vaccine, parents of children of all ages should make sure the child has been in for their annual physical and is caught up on all their back-to-school booster shots.

Unfortunately, rates of many childhood vaccines have been dropping throughout the pandemic. It’s very important to make sure children are fully immunized against preventable diseases like the measles, chicken pox, etc. As you finish your back-to-school checklist, it is always a good idea to double check that your child is caught up on all their immunizations. So, before school starts, be sure to make the time to get in and see your child’s doctor. And, when available, be sure to bring your child in for their annual flu vaccine, too.

Anything else you’d like to add?

I’d like to thank all the teachers and school staff who are working incredibly hard to keep kids safe during this challenging time. Teachers have had to go above and beyond through unexpected shifts and are continuing to do so as we enter this school year.

As a parent, I see all the extra work that teachers are doing to support their students and make their classrooms safe and healthy learning environments, and I’m immensely grateful.

As a parent, I see all the extra work that teachers are doing to support their students and make their classrooms safe and healthy learning environments, and I’m immensely grateful.

I would also encourage everyone to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. They are all safe and effective and are our best tool to end the pandemic. I also offer thanks to everyone who has made the choice to receive a vaccine, as you have done your part to keep yourself and everyone around you safe.

Finally, I hope that everyone has a great and productive school year!

More resources

Parents seeking more resources about COVID-19 are encouraged to visit the following sites:

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What does the timeline look like for vaccination availability for children under the age of 12?

There’s been a lot of conversations around wearing masks in schools. What should parents take into consideration regarding this?

Do you think it’s likely there will be virtual learning again?

What should parents ask their child’s doctor about before school starts?

Anything else you’d like to add?

More resources