Statement from the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics on Michigan State University Shooting

Today, the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MIAAP) released the following statement from chapter president Abeba Berhane, MD, FAAP regarding the tragic shooting that took place at Michigan State University on Monday evening:

 

“The Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is devastated by the mass shooting yesterday at Michigan State University. On behalf of our 1,500 members, we send our love and support to the entire Michigan State University community, especially students, staff and families. The loss of three lives, the five others injured and the countless others who are all affected by yesterday’s shooting are in our thoughts. This tragedy hits so close to home for us all, including the countless Michigan State students, staff, families, and alumni in our Chapter. 

As we said just 14 months ago after the Oxford High School Shooting in November 2021, pediatricians will be there to help tend to the physical, mental, and emotional wounds that have been left behind by yet another senseless act of gun violence in our community. We will also continue to work with our state’s elected leaders to advocate for evidenced-based gun violence prevention laws outlined in AAP policy such as waiting periods, universal background checks, and extreme risk protections orders.

The mission of the MIAAP is to improve the physical, mental and social health of Michigan’s infants, children, adolescents and young adults. Incidents like the shooting last night will forever impact the lives of many young people and families in Michigan. It is time that we as pediatricians, families and citizens enact real solutions so we do not have to keep putting ourselves, our children and our families through these traumatic events.”

Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Urges Protecting Access to Reproductive Health Care in Wake of Dobbs Ruling, Gov. Whitmer Executive Order

Today, the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MIAAP) released the following statement on protecting youth access to reproductive care in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade and Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s executive order protecting access to abortion services:

“The recent Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade has left many patients, families, and providers uncertain about access to reproductive health care in Michigan. In accordance with AAP policy, the MIAAP strongly supports the right for our patients to receive comprehensive, evidence-based care in the context of a confidential physician-patient relationship, including abortion care. Adolescents are at risk for health disparities for a variety of psychosocial and legal reasons and this decision will make access to care more difficult. Limiting access to reproductive health care will disproportionately affect adolescents, especially those in medically vulnerable communities and those of limited means. As of today, access to contraception has not been affected and abortion is still legal in Michigan. As pediatricians, we will continue to advocate for our patients’ health and confidential physician-patient relationships.”

On July 13th, Governor Whitmer signed an executive order protecting abortion services providers in the state, as well as women who come to Michigan seeking reproductive healthcare. This comes as the Whitmer Administration asks the state Supreme Court to consider the constitutionality of a 1931 law banning abortion in the state altogether.

The Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Commemorates the 2nd Anniversary of COVID-19 Pandemic

The Michigan AAP reflects on challenges, progress that have defined the past two years for children and families.

Lansing, MI – Today, the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics released the following statement regarding the second anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic:

The second anniversary of the pandemic comes at the tail end of the Omicron variant wave, which infected more children than any previous wave of the virus. Since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Michigan has recorded 480,000 pediatric COVID cases, with 12.7 million cumulative cases nationwide.

Michigan pediatricians continue to strongly recommend all eligible children receive vaccination against COVID-19. Even if a child has been previously infected, vaccination ensures they have the strongest immune response possible to future exposure. For any questions regarding immunization against COVID-19, MIAAP encourages families to reach out to their pediatrician. Parents can also find more information on HealthyChildren.org. In Michigan 27.5 % of children ages 5-11 have received at least 1 dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 48.27% of children and teens ages 12 to 15 have received at least 1 dose.

“As we approach the two year anniversary of COVID-19, it is important that even as we see COVID numbers decrease, we work diligently as a community, to close the gap on Michigan’s children who still need to get the COVID-19 vaccine,” says Dr. Matthew Hornik, MIAAP President. “Vaccinating our children and youth is the safest way to protect the community and prevent the reoccurrence of COVID-19 moving forward.”   

The Michigan Chapter American Academy of Pediatrics is a nonprofit professional organization of more than 1600 Michigan pediatricians, dedicated to the optimal physical, mental and social health for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults. 

Statement from Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics in Wake of Oxford High School Attack

As pediatricians and Michiganders our hearts go out to the students, teachers, staff, and families of Oxford High School who have been affected by yesterday’s shooting.  The loss of four young lives is immeasurable and, as always, pediatricians will be there to help tend to the physical, mental, and emotional wounds that have been left behind by yet another senseless act of gun violence in our communities.  We mourn and pray, with you, for the victims and their loved ones.

Needless to say, the emotional pain and physical injuries inflicted yesterday must stop. We see it far too often on our streets and in our schools – schools that are supposed to be a safe haven for our children.

We must further come together as a society – and as a profession – to solve the myriad of underlying issues that foment tragedies such as the one that took place at Oxford High School as well as the daily tragedies that do not capture the headlines.

Our work includes uplifting the “invisible” well-being of Michigan’s children in addition to treating routine coughs, colds, ear infections and injuries of the youngsters we all love. It’s time that we link arms as doctors, as parents and as citizens to find real solutions to the issues that endanger our children whether these issues be in our schools, in our neighborhoods or in our homes.

President                                                                             

Matthew Hornik, DO, FAAP

Updated Face Mask Guidance

The Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MIAAP) recommends universal mask-wearing in school for student’s two years and older and school staff attending school in-person, regardless of vaccination status.

Face masks have been proven to be effective at reducing the transmission of COVID-19 by about 85%. Two recent studies have confirmed that schools with mask-wearing requirements have a reduced chance of COVID transmission. Face masks are a crucial layer of protection to prevent spread of COVID along with handwashing, physical distancing, staying home when sick, and vaccination when available. These measures protect students, staff, families, and the larger community,

In-person schooling provides the best environment for children to learn, access needed resources like free breakfast and lunch programs, and maintain social interactions important for a child or adolescent’s mental and physical health. Keeping students in school uninterrupted will be best achieved through universal mask wearing. 

Many families have questions about whether their child should be exempt from wearing a mask. In truth almost all people, including young children, can wear masks safely. Students with the following conditions may need accommodations and/or exemptions to remain in school:

1.      A child with a severe autism spectrum disorder who becomes agitated wearing a mask.

2.      A child with a severe psychiatric or behavioral disorder that is specifically exacerbated by wearing a mask (e.g. severe anxiety disorder or sensory processing disorder)

3.      A child with a disability that prevents them from removing the mask without assistance.

 

Beyond these categories, there are no medical diagnoses that warrant blanket exemptions from wearing a mask. Specifically, asthma, allergies, and sinus disease are not contraindications to wearing a mask.

Families may struggle with getting their children to wear a mask. The AAP provides helpful tips for parents to normalize mask-wearing and make children feel more comfortable:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Cloth-Face-Coverings-for-Children-During-COVID-19.aspx

 Pediatrician Face Mask Exemption Template

References:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html

Jehn M, McCullough JM, Dale AP, et al. Association Between K–12 School Mask Policies and School-Associated COVID-19 Outbreaks — Maricopa and Pima Counties, Arizona, July–August 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1372–1373. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7039e1

Budzyn SE, Panaggio MJ, Parks SE, et al. Pediatric COVID-19 Cases in Counties With and Without School Mask Requirements — United States, July 1–September 4, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1377–1378. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7039e3

The Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics Urges Michigan Schools to Incorporate Safety Measures into School Guidance for Fall 2021

The Michigan AAP calls for universal masking in schools for students above age 2, staff, and teachers.

Today, the Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is urging Michigan Schools to adjust school guidance to reflect the AAP’s most recent guidance on safe, in-person learning.

This comes as Michigan experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases, as the virus’s highly contagious Delta variant makes its way across the country. Increases in infections, hospitalizations, and deaths have concerned medical and educational professionals, who wish to bring children back into classrooms while minimizing the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak.

“The recommendation for universal masking of all children older than 2 years is one of multiple measures to reduce transmission in the school setting. Currently, children under age 12 do not have the option to be vaccinated, vaccination rates remain low in 12-18 year-olds, some members of the school community cannot be vaccinated due to underlying medical and immune system conditions,” says MIAAP Past President and Pediatrician, Dr. Sharon Swindell.

To ensure children are able to return to school safely, the American Academy of Pediatrics recently updated its guidance around in-person learning, which includes – alongside vaccinations – a recommendation that everyone older than age 2 wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.

Other recommendations included in the AAP guidance are: 

  • Schools should be prepared to adopt an all-encompassing approach for mental health support.  

  • Adequate and timely COVID-19 testing resources must be available and accessible. 

  • Strategies should be revised and adapted depending on the level of viral transmission and test positivity rate throughout the community and schools.

  • School policies should be adjusted to align with new information about the pandemic; administrators should refine approaches when specific policies are not working.

  • School districts must be in close communication and coordinate with state and/or local public health authorities, school nurses, local pediatric practitioners, and other medical experts.

AAP also urges families to call their pediatrician and have children caught up on all vaccines they may have missed during the pandemic. This includes getting a vaccine to protect against influenza, which, like COVID-19, can cause severe illness and death.

MIAAP is a nonprofit, professional organization of more than 1,500 Michigan pediatricians, dedicated to the optimal physical, mental and social health for all infants, children, adolescents and young adults. 

MHA, MAFP and MIAAP Members Join Together for Children’s COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar

The Michigan Health & Hospital Association hosted a webinar alongside the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians (MAFP) and the Michigan Chapter of the American Association for Pediatrics (MIAAP) for dozens of clinicians to discuss the importance of getting children vaccinated against COVID-19, as well as getting Michigan’s kids caught up on routine vaccinations. In the last year, routine vaccination rates for children are down roughly 5% in Michigan, amounting to tens of thousands of kids not protected from severe but preventable illnesses.

The webinar included information on (click to view/save slides):

This includes talking with patient families of younger children (under 12) now to ensure their questions are answered by the time eligibility expands to younger populations

A recording is available for anyone that missed the webinar or who are able to share it with their physician practices, which we encourage.

MIAAP Supports Efforts To Increase In-Person Learning For Michigan Students

Today, Governor Whitmer announced efforts to provide in-person learning options for students before March 1st. These efforts strongly align with the Michigan Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics’ (MIAAP) past guidance. The MIAAP and AAP strongly advocate that all policy considerations for school COVID-19 plans start with a goal of having students physically present in school.

Schools are fundamental to child and adolescent development and well-being for academic and non-academic reasons. Families rely on schools for a safe stimulating environment for the mental, physical, social, and nutritional needs of children.

We encourage schools to continue policies to limit the spread of COVID-19 including mask wearing and social distancing. It is important to note that the vast majority of children, even those with medical conditions, are able to safely and effectively wear face coverings with adequate practice and support as well as modeling from adults.

We thank the Governor and her administration for their efforts to minimize the impact of COVID-19 in Michigan, and we thank the staff and administrations of our schools for their creativity, flexibility, and enduring commitment to our children. From our pediatric perspective at the intersection of child health and development, we look to you to help prioritize in-person education for Michigan’s children.

MIAAP Supports Efforts to Reduce Surge in COVID-19 Cases

Yesterday, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued updated orders to combat the COVID-19 virus. Many of the restrictions, including participation in sports activities and in-person learning, directly impact children, adolescents, and young adults.

The Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MIAAP) supports the actions taken by MDHHS. The MIAAP continues to support in-person learning and athletic activities for overall child development when the risk of infection is low. The recent rise in cases, in both adults and children, creates an environment where the risk of spreading the disease is high, especially among adolescents and young adults.  

The MIAAP urges MDHHS and the Governor to continue to monitor the environmental risks of this virus and to make science-based decisions on future changes to these orders. The risk of this virus will continue to fluctuate. We must not hesitate to promote activities that lead to the healthy growth and development of children, as the risk decreases; we must do everything we can to combat the virus by decreasing transmission and mortality in our children.  

MIAAP Statement on Halloween Events

The Michigan Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics is aware of possible risks with regards to the transmission of COVID-19 on Halloween. In general, but particularly in areas of higher disease transmission, the safest plan is to discourage trick-or-treating this year and consider a smaller event with a known cohort.

For those families that choose to take their children “trick or treating”, the MIAAP suggests following guidelines for social distancing, cloth facemasks, and hand hygiene.  Similar to previous guidelines limiting gatherings, the MIAAP recommends groups be limited in size to immediate families or familiar pods. Large groups should be avoided. The greatest transmission risk will be from contact with fellow trick-or-treaters or the adults accompanying them rather than from exposure to treats or the adults dispensing the treats at the door.

The MIAAP recommends all children over the age of two, wear cloth facemasks along with costumes. Most Halloween costume masks will not limit the spread of infectious diseases, so a cloth facemask is recommended along with any costume mask.

As with all decisions, parents should decide whether to “trick or treat” or not, based on their level of comfort and their own set of risk factors. As a reminder, please follow other AAP health and safety tips if out on Halloween night.