Respiratory Illness Concerns Grow As New York Students Return To Class

As kids all over the Empire State get ready for the thing they likely have not been looking forward to, medical officials all over New York State and the United States are also not looking forward to the same thing, but for different reasons.

While some kids around New York State have already gone back to school, the vast majority of students go back to school this week, and medical professionals are ringing the alarm about an increase in respiratory illnesses that are expected to come with dozens of kids being stuck in the same classrooms all day.

According to an article by the Buffalo News, there is a pending shortage of influenza and COVID-19 Vaccines that is sure to exacerbate what doctors are worried will be a busy year for the two viral infections.

While doses of the flu shot have been shipping, as of the end of August, the approved rules that surround the COVID-19 vaccine have not been released yet by the FDA.

Politifact expands on these details, giving details on what parents in the Empire State should do this year.

Unfortunately, we do not know when updated COVID vaccines will be available, but pharmacies have already started pre-booking so once the manufacturers are ready to ship, pharmacies will receive them...
-Brigid Groves, the American Pharmacists Association

If you are considered to be a member of a high-risk group, according to rules from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which includes young children, older adults, and those with chronic conditions like asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and more, you should make plans to ensure you can support thier livelihood.