SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – After a steady increase in cases over the summer, Central New York continues to face the new challenge of younger age groups testing positive for COVID-19.
Dr. David Larsen, a public health professor at Syracuse University, says cases moving down demographics is most likely due to lack of vaccine eligibility for younger ages.
“The vaccine is a great development, so hopefully the FDA moves quickly to make a decision [on approval] and we’ll go from there,” Larsen said.
Since mid-September, 13 children aged 0-19 have been hospitalized with COVID-19, according to the Onondaga County Health Department. With recent increases in cases, that age group now accounts for more than 20% of cases in Central New York since the start of the pandemic.
Though mask mandates are in effect, schools as a whole look quite different compared to last fall. Since most classes are in person, COVID-19 is still a concern.
“If you have a high communal vaccination rate, the risk is not gone but it’s greatly greatly reduced,,” Larson said, referring to vaccines.
He added that he anticipates slowed transmission in younger demographics once the FDA approves a vaccine for ages 5-11.
The White House said Wednesday that it is prepared to rollout COVID-19 vaccines for school-age children, once approved. The administration said it has already bought enough doses for the 28 million children in the age group.
“Young, school-age kids…they just don’t have the opportunity [to get vaccinated] yet,” Larsen said.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul recommended that pediatrician offices start preparing for vaccine doses and appointments. She also advised parents not to call doctors offices, as they’re already overwhelmed.
Testing shortages also remain an issue in Onondaga County, though Ryan McMahon, the county executive, said the county is working to solve that issue.
