Pediatricians around the country are seeing significant drops in visits during the coronavirus pandemic, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
In addition to missing appointments, children in the U.S. are also missing vaccines. The number of vaccines administered for diseases including measles, mumps, whooping cough and HPV each dropped by at least 40% during the week of April 5, compared to a week in February of this year, according to data from PCC, a Vermont-based company that develops electronic health records for pediatricians.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), which represents 67,000 pediatricians across the U.S., is now sounding the alarm to remind parents that annual pediatrician visits, as well as visits for other issues like flu or cold symptoms, should not stop during the pandemic.
“It’s really critical for parents to remember that their pediatricians and pediatric sub-specialists are out there and available to take care of kids,” Sally Goza, AAP president and a practicing pediatrician in Fayetteville, Georgia, told “Good Morning America.” “We are available to see patients, and yet we know it’s a scary time for parents.” Full Story HERE.
