There’s so much information out there when it comes to our children’s health. Throw COVID-19 vaccinations for infants and toddlers into the mix, and it just got a lot more overwhelming. But we’re here to help! This week we sit down with an expert: the Deputy Director of the Center for Infectious Diseases and State Epidemiologist, Dr. Erica Pan. We talk about everything you need to know about COVID-19 vaccinations for infants, toddlers and pregnancy. She answers the questions we’ve all been wondering, like how the vaccine trials for children work, vaccine dosages for our littlest ones, and even getting vaccinated during pregnancy. Dr. Pan is a mom to two teenage daughters, so she understands how some parents may be feeling uneasy with so much new information. We hope this episode helps ease your mind and get your family vaccinated!
This episode is brought to you by the CA Department of Public Health.
#VaccinesSaveLives
More about Dr. Erica Pan: Erica Pan, MD, MPH, FAAP, the Deputy Director of the Center for Infectious Diseases and State Epidemiologist, was sworn in July 13, 2020. Prior to joining CDPH, Pan served in several positions at both the Alameda County Public Health Department since 2011, and the San Francisco Department of Public Health from 2004 – 2011. She is also a Clinical Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at the University of California, San Francisco. She maintained her clinical work at San Francisco General Hospital and at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals in San Francisco and Oakland in Infectious Diseases until 2019.
Our Conversation with Dr. Pan
What can you tell us about the latest vaccines now available for infants and toddlers over 6 months?
Are children receiving the same dosage as adults?
What does the vaccine dose schedule look like for kids?
What do the vaccine trials entail? Who are these kids? What are they looking for?
What about super mamas who are listening who are currently pregnant or thinking about conceiving? Is it safe for them to receive the vaccine? As a mom, what tips do you have for them to protect themselves and their babies?
Does it matter when you get vaccinated during your pregnancy? First trimester vs. third?
Is it true women’s periods can change after receiving the vaccine?
Does the vaccine affect fertility?
Where can parents take their children to receive their COVID-19 vaccines?
How can we continue to help our family, friends and community receive the best information regarding COVID-19?
Call your pediatrician or health clinic to get your child vaccinated or, for listeners in California, go to MyTurn.ca.gov or call the hotline at 833-422-4255 to find a vaccine near you.
Pick or Tip of the Week
This week Paulina is on vacation in Oaxaca, but she’s been prepping for her trip by looking for a new bug spray! She found this natural bug spray that she’s carrying in her purse and also clipped on to the girls’ backpacks so everyone can be protected at all times! Another tip she learned about keeping the mosquitoes away is that they don’t like yellow lightbulbs. What are some other tips you have for keeping the mosquitoes away?
Bricia’s pick is more of a tip, but it’s to get and use a salad spinner. It might take up a lot of space in your kitchen, but trust her, it’s essential!
Links
Visit https://myturn.ca.gov for more information on COVID-19 and vaccinations.
Follow the California Department of Public Health on Instagram @capublichealth and like their page on Facebook.
