Food Allergies and COVID-19 Vaccine Facts
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Life with food allergies (FAs), as with any chronic condition, adds layers of complexity to decisions. As nurses with experience caring for children with FA in our families or in our practices, we understand that choosing COVID vaccination can be a tough decision for some, but are heartened by the overall safety and effectiveness of the vaccines to date.
Rapid access to information (and misinformation) on social media can complicate the vaccine decision-making process. The United States Surgeon General recently called on health care professionals, including nurses, to “take the time to understand each patient’s knowledge, beliefs, and values. Listen with empathy, and when possible, correct misinformation in personalized ways.” As nurses caring for patients who are among the estimated 30 million people with food allergies in the US, you can help patients to make an informed and timely decision.
Concerning data about COVID in children and young adults.
About half of the US population is fully vaccinated, though statistics vary by age group, leaving those who cannot receive a vaccine at great risk. Infection with the Delta variant suggests increased transmissibility and more infections in the unvaccinated, including children and young adults.
To underscore the ongoing need for […]