Q&A: When do children still need to wear masks?
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The AAP updated its guidance on proper mask use for children aged between 2 and 12 years who cannot receive a COVID-19 vaccine, as well as unvaccinated children and adolescents.
On the heels of the FDA issuing an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for adolescents aged 12 to 15 years, and based on other factors like a sharp decline in cases, the CDC recently said that people who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks indoors in most cases.
Infectious Diseases in Children spoke with Yvonne A. Maldonado, MD, FAAP, chair of the AAP’s Committee on Infectious Diseases and professor and chief of the division of infectious diseases at Stanford University School of Medicine, about the AAP’s recommendations for children in light of the CDC’s recently updated guidance.
Healio: When do unvaccinated children still need to wear masks?
Maldonado: Until children and adolescents can be fully protected by a vaccine, the AAP recommends they continue to wear masks when they are around groups of people indoors and outdoors. We encourage children who are not eligible for the vaccine to wear masks in child care, camp or school settings and while traveling, such as on airplanes, trains and buses. We encourage children to wear masks when they are playing with friends, accompanying their parents to the grocery store or in any other situation in which they are around groups of people, some of whom may not be fully vaccinated. Unless vaccinated, children should wear masks when playing indoor sports (except for sports in which the mask may become a hazard) and outdoors sports that have close contact. It is important for children and families to follow local and state requirements for masking in any situation.
Healio: Why is it important that they wear a mask in these situations?
Maldonado: The consistent use of a face mask, in addition to physical distancing, hand-washing and vaccination is an effective strategy to lessen risk and help reduce the spread of COVID-19. When you wear a face mask, you protect others as well as yourself, especially if you are not vaccinated and/or are around others who are not vaccinated.
Healio: How can parents and pediatricians communicate with children the importance of continuing to wear masks in these situations while so many other people are going without them?
Maldonado: Children aged 2 years and older have demonstrated their ability to wear a face mask, just as they have learned that they must routinely wear bicycle helmets and buckle into their car seats. We find children typically do not have a problem wearing the masks and can tolerate them for long periods of time. It may be helpful for parents to continue to wear masks in public places as a role model and to support their child.
Healio: If children aged younger than 12 years are still unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine before the new school year, should elementary schools have mandated mask policies?
Maldonado: The AAP encourages that students and staff wear masks in school, but decisions about making it a condition for school entry are made by the local community in consultation with local health authorities.