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By Andie Lyons
I’m a parent of two school age kids. This summer, we’re looking forward to camping trips, swim lessons, and a little quiet time for my partner and me when the kids are at summer camp! In addition to making sure we have sunscreen and activity registrations in place, I’m also making sure my whole family is up to date on vaccines.
Each summer, we tend to see an uptick in COVID cases. If you haven’t had a COVID shot since last year, you’re likely due for another. Same goes for kids. And, depending on your insurance or your child’s health risk factors, getting the COVID vaccine might be harder or more expensive come fall.
While COVID can be milder in school-aged kids, it’s not without risks. Children, like adults, can develop serious complications — including long COVID, a condition that can be debilitating and persistent. Vaccination helps reduce the chance of severe illness and makes long COVID less likely, in kids and adults.
Measles is also on my mind this summer. Measles outbreaks are increasing across the U.S. and around the world. Here in Washington, we’ve already seen six measles cases this year — all tied to travel. The MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, is highly effective and offers peace of mind during travel. It’s also a requirement for most summer camps and school enrollment, making it even more important to double-check your family’s records.
Free and reduced-cost vaccination sites are located throughout King County — visit kingcounty.gov/findaclinic to find a clinic near you.
Knowing my whole family is up to date on vaccines means I don’t have to worry about plans being cancelled due to illness, or having to scramble to get vaccination ahead of the first day of camp. A few simple steps now can help keep your whole family safe, healthy, and ready for adventure.
Andie Lyons is a health educator at Public Health – Seattle & King County and parent to two kids, ages 7 and 10.
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