St. Jude Pediatric Infectious Disease Expert Says Children Are in a Very Dangerous Moment: ​240% Increase in Childhood COVID-19 Cases Since July Kids' Health Family Health

New data from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows a 240 percent increase in COVID-19 cases since July in our nation’s children. Dr. Diego R. Hijano a pediatric infectious disease specialist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., is warning that unless we act now our kids are facing the most dangerous moment of their lifetimes.

“The message here cannot be more clear, all parents and eligible children should take steps today to receive the life-saving COVID-19 vaccine,” said Hijano, who specializes in infectious diseases in children and conducts research into the spread of respiratory viruses among pediatric populations.

“Our children are in a very, very dangerous moment and the Delta variant has proven, as predicted, to be the most highly transmittable strain of the virus we’ve yet faced. With less than half of the eligible adolescent population fully vaccinated, every American must do their part and take action now by getting vaccinated and masking up in public settings – or the situation is likely to get worse and our kids will continue to suffer.”

Dr. Hijano specializes in infectious diseases in children and conducts research into the spread of respiratory viruses among pediatric populations. The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) emergency use authorization for the COVID-19 vaccine covers every child 12 years old and up. The CDC Director reported yesterday the public health agency’s scientists are working on the COVID-19 vaccine for children younger than 12 and hope to have it available by the end of the year.

“As we await emergency use authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for children younger than 12 years of age, those in close contact with them should be taking additional precautions such as masking up to protect them,” Dr. Hijano concluded.

The content on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information on this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider. The opinions or views expressed on 30Seconds.com do not necessarily represent those of 30Seconds or any of its employees, corporate partners or affiliates.

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get inspiration in your newsfeed daily. Inspire and be inspired.