TEXAS, USA — As COVID-19 cases see a rise throughout the summer, doctors across the nation are urging parents to vaccinate their children before they go back to school.
Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, said this year's COVID-19 summer surge has been worse than last year.
Since an infected teacher or child could spread a virus to dozens of others during a school day, Jetalina is pushing for everyone to get the updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines this fall before sending students back to the classroom.
"What we're seeing is about 60% additional protection among those that get the vaccine compared to people that don't get the vaccine," Jetalina said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that it is safe to receive the COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. Experts recommend getting both vaccines before the end of October.