As media reports continue to share news about COVID-19 and its variants, we are re-sharing this Nov. 23 post from Medical Director Dr. Sara Little.  Thank you for reviewing it again. 

Dear Minisink Valley parents/guardians:

Serving as the district’s medical director is a great privilege and I want to re-emphasize that the good health and safety of your children is my first priority in this position.

In my role as a pediatrician, I answer questions every day from parents who are equally focused on the good health and safety of their children. Those questions deal with all aspects of pediatric wellness, preventive medicine and treatment plans. Like me, they want the best possible care for their children, and they want them to live a healthy life.

We are now nearing a 20-month mark since the COVID-19 pandemic began. All of us have pandemic experiences to share.  As parents of school-aged children, we all have seen the social-emotional effects of this pandemic in addition to the academic challenges which the Minisink Valley faculty address every day with great care, professionalism and skill.

In my role as Minisink Valley’s medical director, I‘m asking you to please reach out to your child’s healthcare provider to have a thoughtful discussion about possibly having your child receive the COVID-19 vaccination.  As you know, the FDA recently gave emergency use authorization (EUA) to the two-dose Pfizer pediatric vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11.

As a healthcare professional who has seen the devastation that COVID-19 can cause, I believe vaccinating children against COVID-19 is the best way to keep communities healthy and safe. Having as many children vaccinated also maximizes keeping schools safe and open for in-person instruction, and keeps the “near normalcy” we currently have in classrooms a reality. I believe this is equally important as the holiday season approaches.

I know every family’s situation differs.  Your child’s healthcare provider will address all the questions you may have regarding the COVID-19 vaccine… or any other vaccine. Please remember, your child’s healthcare provider is your very best source for trustworthy information and will have your child’s and family’s best interests in mind.

Thank you for your continued support of Minisink Valley’s ongoing and very diligent efforts to safeguard the good health of your child.

Sincerely,

Sara Little, M.D.
Medical Director