Protect the vulnerable

To the Editor:

When COVID-19 became part of the fabric of life in our community, many of us “educated ourselves” on how to avoid risks.

What became apparent to me is that there are certain populations that are vulnerable to COVID. How can these populations be protected?

The following is from Lael M. Yonkers and Anthony J. Fischer, both pediatric pulmonologists: ”There are actions we can take to protect our kids. Children under 12 are not yet eligible for vaccines, but their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, teachers and coaches are. The risks of severe COVID-19 for these older groups is higher, and if they get infected they can transmit the virus to children under 12. There is no reason for those eligible to delay vaccination, particularly with rising numbers of positive COVID-19 tests throughout this country. Vaccines save lives.”

It's not just a moral imperative: If we fail to protect all individuals in our community, efforts to control the pandemic will always fall short.

When our elected leaders use their position to undermine preventative measures that could protect our children, a severe disservice to their constituents occurs. In reading Kathleen Haff's “position paper” from last week, I found many of her research facts, including experts, in question. Kathleen is not an expert. Our county staff, supported by national expert agencies, is here to guide our Board of Supervisors with the best information supported by the best science. Please use that information constructively. Judy Spisak

Tuolumne