Position Statement for Ohio PTA Convention Delegates' consideration. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Xzm3QJk_HKRKXC3LLJnPm4HmOtEzGHsh/view?usp=sharing
DRAFT
POSITION STATEMENT ON COVID-19 VACCINES FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS
WHEREAS, according to the Ohio Department of Education,
2020-2021 assessment scores were generally lower than past years, especially
for Black, Hispanic, and economically disadvantaged students. The decrease in
the rate of fall third grade proficiency generally was more marked among
students learning in districts using a fully remote education delivery model.
These preliminary data suggest the state’s most vulnerable students generally
also have been most affected.
WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), variants of the COVID-19 virus have been documented in the
United States and some of these variations allow the virus to spread more
easily or make it more resistant to treatments or vaccines. One of these
variants (B.1.617.2 or “Delta”) was first detected in the United States in March
2021 and was initially identified in India in December 2020. These variants
seem to spread more easily and quickly than other variants, which may lead to
more cases of COVID-19. An increase in the number of cases will put more strain
on healthcare resources, lead to more hospitalizations, and potentially more
deaths.
WHEREAS, the Ohio Department of Education states that, “The
time a child spends in school is precious and should ensure all aspects of a
child’s well-being are addressed, including the physical, social, emotional and
intellectual aspects. Ensuring Ohio students are in school every day is a
crucial first step”. The potential increase in illness and absenteeism may
exacerbate learning loss already suffered during the 2020-2021 school year and
complicate the coming school year.
WHEREAS, according to the CDC, although fewer children have
been infected with COVID-19 compared to adults, children can be infected with
the virus that causes COVID-19, get sick, and spread the virus to others.
WHEREAS, according to the CDC and the American Academy of
Pediatrics (AAP), COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective (including against the
currently circulating variants) and have been used under the most intensive
safety monitoring in U.S. history, which includes studies in children and adolescents.
WHEREAS, the AAP, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), and
the National Association of School Nurses (NASN) recommend that any COVID-19
vaccine authorized through Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA, recommended
by the CDC, and appropriate by age and health status can be used for COVID-19
vaccination in children and adolescents.
WHEREAS, the AAP supports coadministration of routine
childhood and adolescent immunizations, including COVID-19 vaccines, (or
vaccination in the days before or after) for children and adolescents who are
behind on or due for immunizations (based on the
CDC/AAP Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization
Schedule) and/or at
increased risk from vaccine-preventable diseases.
WHEREAS, the National PTA has a strong history of advocating
for vaccination for children as it is proven to be an effective tool in
preventing disease. Those who do not get vaccinated are put at risk, and
because the SARS-CoV-2 virus is highly contagious, entire communities can be
affected. The National PTA is committed to educating families and communities
on the importance of early vaccination as well as taking action to ensure all
children are protected.
WHEREAS, since 1908, National PTA has devoted great energy
to halting the spread of diseases and improving other health conditions that
have affected children. Beginning in 1925, PTA was a driving force behind
providing check-ups to identify health problems in 5- to 6-year-olds entering
school for the first time. This became the main vehicle for immunizing children
against diseases. The effort grew into a program through which PTA introduced
parents to the practice of getting their children periodic health examinations
from birth onward as well as worked with community health agencies to provide
necessary services. In 1976, PTA volunteers adopted a resolution on
immunization of preschool children, and in 1990, a related resolution was
adopted on measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ohio PTA encourages school
districts, PTA councils, and local PTA units to:
·
Disseminate information to families
concerning the importance and necessity of COVID-19 vaccination for eligible children,
adolescents, and adults (even for those who have already had COVID-19),
·
Provide information to help families
obtain vaccinations locally for all children, adolescents, and adults,
·
Support the efforts of schools to
enforce immunization laws,
·
Conduct activities in support of an
immunization awareness program,
·
Require unvaccinated adults and
children to wear masks that cover the mouth and nose when indoors (at least
until all ages are eligible for COVID-19 vaccination),
·
Promote frequent hand washing with
soap and water (or with alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not
available),
·
Work to assess and reduce COVID-19
racial and ethnic health disparities,
·
Encourage adults, adolescents, and
children to stay home from school if sick,
·
Promote partnerships and
collaboration with local health departments and other community stakeholders,
·
Follow all local, state, and
national public health mandates and recommendations.
RESOLVED that effective stakeholder engagement must be
inclusive, transparent, provide multiple opportunities for input and include
meaningful, clear, and concise communication. All information and protocols
should be disseminated to parents, families, students, and communities, using
current best practices for family and student engagement. Furthermore, all
communication must be accessible to parents with disabilities, culturally
appropriate, and available in the languages spoken within the community served.
RESOLVED that as recommendations change with
evolving science, research, and viral variations, the Ohio PTA supports and
encourages local school districts, PTA units, and councils to follow and
support the CDC’s current “Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in Kindergarten
(K)-12 Schools”. Any areas in which
discretion is permissible or areas in which schools choose to deviate from
these recommendations should be thoroughly discussed and communicated with
local health department leaders, school administration, staff and parent
groups.
RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to all
Ohio state legislators, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Ohio
Department of Health, and the Governor of Ohio immediately.
Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), COVID-19 Vaccines in
Children and Adolescents (May 12, 2021): https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/early/2021/05/11/peds.2021-052336.full.pdf
CDC, About Variants of the Virus that Causes COVID-19 (June
24, 2021): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant.html
CDC, COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens (May 27,
2021): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/adolescents.html
CDC, COVID-19 Vaccines for Teachers, School Staff, and
Childcare Workers (May 25, 2021): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/specific-groups/teachers-childcare.html
CDC, Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination
(June 15, 2021): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html#had-covid
National Association of School Nurses (NASN), NASN Statement
on Emergency Use Authorization of COVID-19 Vaccine (May 24, 2021): https://schoolnursenet.nasn.org/nasn/blogs/nasn-profile/2021/05/24/emergency-use-authorization-of-covid-19-vaccine
National PTA, National PTA Urges Universal Vaccinations to
Protect Children Against Measles (2016): https://www.pta.org/home/About-National-Parent-Teacher-Association/PTA-Newsroom/news-list/news-detail-page/2016/11/15/National-PTA-Urges-Universal-Vaccinations-to-Protect-Children-Against-Measles
National PTA, Position Statement - Reopening of Public
PreK-12 Schools for the 2020-2021 School Year: https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy/ptas-positions/Individual-Position-Statements/position-statement---reopening-of-public-prek-12-schools-for-the-2020-2021-school-year
National PTA, Resolution on Meningococcal Disease Vaccine
(2013): https://www.pta.org/home/advocacy/ptas-positions/Individual-PTA-Resolutions/Resolution-on-Meningococcal-Disease-Vaccine
Ohio Department of Education, Data Insights: How the
Pandemic is Affecting the 2020-2021 School Year (May 21, 2021): http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Reset-and-Restart/Data-Insights-on-the-2020-2021-School-Year
Ohio Department of Education, Ohio’s Attendance Laws (May
14, 2021): http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Student-Supports/Chronic-Absenteeism
Ohio Department of Health, COVID-19, Communications
Resources Hub (June 17, 2021): https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/health-equity/communications-resources-hub
