Hi Dr. Natasha, Thank you for the timeline on vaccines for kids, I can’t wait until my 3-year-old twins can get vaccinated! In the meantime I’m not sure how to navigate a family situation. My husband and I are fully vaccinated, as are my brother and his wife. My husband is a stay-at-home dad, so my kids are home with him. My brother’s 2-year-old attends daycare. Is it safe for my kids to play with their cousin? My niece actually had Covid in November, but I’m still worried about her picking up a new variant at daycare and passing it to my kids. We’ve stayed away until now, but I’m wondering, am I being too cautious? We miss my niece terribly. What would you do?
These decision trees are exhausting. When I think about these decisions for my family, I think of 2 broad issues. First, my local community rates. Currently in my area, the rates are low (not zero). Second, the vaccination status of the adults in the picture - since the virus is most commonly transmitted to young children within the home.
I'm not hearing in your story that there are high-risk individuals (chronic illness, immunocompromised, etc.) I don't know where you live or your local community rates. I know the vaccine protects the vaccinated, and kids (unvaccinated) remain susceptible to illness. Finally, I cannot assume your niece has any significant immunity after (presumedly) mild illness.
What would I do? With low community rates, no high-risk individuals in the scenario, and vaccinated parents -- I would schedule a play date with your brother's household. I'd keep the kids playing outside as much as possible, but otherwise enjoy time together.
I'll be eager to hear what you decide for your family.
Thanks for being part of the KCKD community and for your thoughtful question.
Hi Dr. Natasha, Thank you for the timeline on vaccines for kids, I can’t wait until my 3-year-old twins can get vaccinated! In the meantime I’m not sure how to navigate a family situation. My husband and I are fully vaccinated, as are my brother and his wife. My husband is a stay-at-home dad, so my kids are home with him. My brother’s 2-year-old attends daycare. Is it safe for my kids to play with their cousin? My niece actually had Covid in November, but I’m still worried about her picking up a new variant at daycare and passing it to my kids. We’ve stayed away until now, but I’m wondering, am I being too cautious? We miss my niece terribly. What would you do?
These decision trees are exhausting. When I think about these decisions for my family, I think of 2 broad issues. First, my local community rates. Currently in my area, the rates are low (not zero). Second, the vaccination status of the adults in the picture - since the virus is most commonly transmitted to young children within the home.
I'm not hearing in your story that there are high-risk individuals (chronic illness, immunocompromised, etc.) I don't know where you live or your local community rates. I know the vaccine protects the vaccinated, and kids (unvaccinated) remain susceptible to illness. Finally, I cannot assume your niece has any significant immunity after (presumedly) mild illness.
What would I do? With low community rates, no high-risk individuals in the scenario, and vaccinated parents -- I would schedule a play date with your brother's household. I'd keep the kids playing outside as much as possible, but otherwise enjoy time together.
I'll be eager to hear what you decide for your family.
Thanks for being part of the KCKD community and for your thoughtful question.
- Dr. N