SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – In 2020, the world was turned upside down when COVID-19 took over. Four years later, the conversation continues as a new strain makes its debut, KP.3.
Western Mass News spoke with pediatrician Dr. John Kelley, he explained like influenza, different strains of COVID peak at different at times and why he said its important to stay up to date on vaccines.
One parent we spoke with said she’s on the same page. Abbey Downing recalls her experience during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We had our first child actually, six months into COVID it certainly was very challenging and our second child in January of 2022 so still kind of in covid times,” explained Downing of West Hartford.
Our conversation comes as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns a new COVID variant, KP.3 is on the rise. The CDC reported it makes up about 25 percent of cases right now.
“I think now that we’ve moved through the acute phase of it I think we’re trying to move past it, hence I didn’t know much about the new variant,” noted Downing.
The health of her children remains a priority.
“Its something that I worry about just like any other virus at this point,” said Downing “Our children are fully vaccinated, unfortunately we did have covid at one point in our lives so we did very well through the illness I wouldn’t say we’re overly worried, just like any other virus that’s out there we keep moving forward.”
But she had some questions for doctors.
“If there’s any vaccine recommendation around a new variant if that something in the future from a pediatrician standpoint are children still safe from their existing vaccinations,” added Downing.
We went to local pediatrician Dr. John Kelley for answers.
“Right now there is an updated COVID vaccine that covers the strain pretty well as I understand it but maybe some changes for the vaccine come this fall,” said Dr. Kelley.
Kelley explained like influenza, the COVID-19 vaccine will be updated to combat whichever strains are prominent.
“So when you get a flu shot, it changes it depends upon the variants that are out there same thing with the COVID vaccine its going to be changing so we don’t want to call it a booster vaccine,” noted Dr. Kelley. “Its the updated COVID vaccine.”
Which is why he said its important for parents to ensure their children are up to date with their shots.
“We know the vaccine doesn’t necessarily prevent you from getting COVID, it gives you that reassurance that seatbelt that you’re not going to get seriously ill or your children aren’t going to get seriously ill,” explained Dr. Kelley.
So, will the updated vaccines expected this fall be approved for kids? Dr. Kelley said it’s likely, as past COVID vaccines have been approved for anyone six months or older.
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