While cities and states have been opening up this summer, COVID-19 cases are rising due to the Delta variant. The Delta variant is a type of COVID-19 that spreads more easily and is more dangerous. More and more children are testing positive for COVID-19 and some children have died from COVID-19. 

It’s more important than ever to take steps to protect yourself and your family from COVID-19. The best way to fight COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Facts show that unvaccinated people are at the highest risk of getting COVID-19 and getting very sick or dying from COVID-19. Right now, children under 12 can’t get the COVID vaccine. It is the responsibility of parents and family members to get the vaccine so everyone is protected, especially children. If you get vaccinated, the children around you are less likely to get sick from COVID-19.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine recently recommended and endorsed the COVID-19 vaccine for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Experts say that getting infected during pregnancy has life-threatening risks for both mother and baby, so getting vaccinated is the most important way to make sure you and your baby are safe. When you get vaccinated while pregnant, the antibodies will also help protect your fetus from COVID-19 after they are born. There is no scientific evidence that the vaccine causes birth defects or miscarriages or future fertility problems

Along with getting vaccinated, it’s important to keep following masking and social distancing guidelines. The CDC recently recommended that everyone wear masks in indoor spaces in areas where COVID cases are rising and recommended that pregnant moms wear masks in indoor spaces everywhere.. This will help prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially with the stronger Delta variant. 

In summary, you should do the following to keep your family as safe as possible from the Delta variant:

• Get vaccinated. All three vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson-Johnson) are widely available at no cost. 
• Wear a mask indoors and in places that require it.
• Avoid large crowds with children under 12 years, and try to maintain social distancing in all places. 
• Clean your hands throughout the day.