As the CDC expands COVID-19 vaccination eligibility to anyone 16 years of age and older, pediatricians and family practice doctors are faced with a challenge. How to schedule catch up well visits around potential COVID-19 vaccination?

Some high schools are stepping up and offering COVID-19 vaccines to teens who are eligible while school is still in session. Some states seem to have surplus vaccine and appointments, but in general eligibility does not equal available appointments for vaccine everywhere. 

US national wellness visits dropped significantly in 2020-2021 compared to the 2017-2019 three year average across all age groups with adolescents being the most impacted. It is essential that we start getting those adolescents back in for well checks and catch-up vaccines. 

The CDC is currently recommending a 14 day minimum interval before or after COVID-19 vaccination and any other vaccine. (The only exception is a tetanus vaccination for a wound or other injury.) 

Studies for COVID-19 vaccination for younger age groups are currently underway.  It is anticipated that the Moderna vaccine could get an Emergency Use Authorization within weeks for 12 year to 17 year olds further complicating the picture. 

The following are suggestions on how to handle catch up vaccination in adolescents in light of impending COVID-19 vaccination:

• Consider scheduling all children under 16 years of age now for well visits and vaccination catch up before they are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines.
• If you know your school system is planning COVID-19 vaccination for teens 16 years of age and older, schedule their routine wellness visits over the summer. 
• If your school system is not vaccinating for COVID-19, determine availability in your community for COVID-19 vaccines and schedule routine follow up accordingly bearing in mind the 14 day interval. 
• Remind parents about the safety measures you continue to take in your office to keep them and their children safe.