Vermilion County Public Health Administrator Douglas Toole says now that COVID vaccinations are available for children between six months and five years of age, he recommends that families check with their doctors. He says the Health Department can offer advice, but not the vaccinations themselves for the little ones.
AUDIO: We find that parents of little ones tend to have very specific questions about their kids’ health needs. So we’d rather they talk to their own doctors about that. Their own doctors are going to be much more familiar with their child’s medical history; any kind of medication they’re on.
Toole says if you do not have a doctor right now, there are local agencies you can approach.
AUDIO: Aunt Martha’s clinic might be an option. They could talk to the folks at one of the more convenient care type places, we have a couple of those in the area. You could call and say, “Hey, we’re interested in getting a vaccination for a small child, where would you recommend?”
Or if you’re able, check with a pediatrician’s office. Meanwhile, the COVID transmission level in Vermilion County remains medium. Toole says, that’s certainly better than what it COULD be.
AUDIO: It’s not a great place to be. I’d rather be in “low,” but it beats us being in “high.” So that’s a good thing.
Finally, with all the heat we’ve been fighting, Toole says please remember that even if temperatures drop a bit, the overall heat index can still be dangerous.
AUDIO: Heat stroke, heat exhaustions are real things. And it’s not just the temperature, it’s the humidity that will really drain you. So stay hydrated, stay cool if you can; and do what you can to take care of yourself.
Right now, high temperatures look to remain around the low 90s or upper 80s mark for the next handful of days.
