Mayo doctors call for vaccines and masks before the start of school

The countdown to a new school year is less than a month for most kids in America.  And many students who took classes at home last fall because of the pandemic will be back in school buildings now. 

Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a pediatric physician at Mayo, wants to see kids 12 and older get the vaccine, which could help prevent illness in very young children, including babies.

“For all families who will be transitioning back to school in the next few weeks, getting everyone in your household who is 12 years of age and older fully vaccinated before the school year starts should be #1 on everyone’s back to school checklist this year,” says Rajapakse.”    

Also from Mayo, Dr. Gregory Poland says proper face masks should be used in school.

“A neck gaiter, no matter how it’s worn, is not a proper mask and does not offer a great deal of protection…in fact, may make things worse in some circumstances,” according to Poland.    

The doctors also warn kids not to share or trade masks at school.      

Rajapakse says infections among vaccinated people have been “rare events,” and illness from the virus is now mostly preventable because of the vaccines.