Local Pediatrician: Stay Strong!

 Dr. Leah Costello, a CVSD parent, local pediatrician, and physician supporting our COVID team, shared the following letter on her networks and with us. This letter was unsolicited. She asked that we pass it along to our families. 

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

On Christmas day my husband, children and I gathered with my parents, who live locally. A week later, on Saturday January 2nd, we all underwent COVID testing as recommended by the Vermont Department of Health. I was impressed to receive our negative results within 36 hours and woke my children on Monday morning to tell them they could go back to school. They were so excited that it felt like Christmas morning again. 

I feel so lucky to live here in Vermont where I continue to feel safe sending my three children to school and childcare. Despite rising numbers of COVID cases our schools and childcares continue to be one of the safest places in our community. Yes, transmission within a school setting has been seen, but it has been minimal and there is little evidence that schools contribute meaningfully to community spread. This is because the safety protocols in place are effective. It is also due to an incredible amount of work on the part of the entire school and childcare administration, teachers and staff. They are burning the midnight oil, and beyond, to keep our children safe. 

If schools and childcare are not the risk then how are children getting COVID? Many pediatric cases are acquired from infected adults in the home. Other known risks are family gatherings, travel out of state, sleepovers, birthday parties and indoor playdates. We feel safe with people we know, we take off our masks and let down our guard. Knowing this risk we must limit these activities to protect ourselves and protect those educating and caring for our children. 

There is hope on the pandemic horizon. There are two vaccines available that are safe and effective. As a physician, I feel grateful to have been vaccinated and I desperately want everyone to have access to the COVID vaccine as soon as possible, though the supply of vaccine is limited at this time. Vermont has announced the decision to distribute COVID vaccine based on age groupings and I can imagine this was devastating news to those working in schools and childcare centers. The American Academy of Pediatrics Vermont Chapter is actively advocating that school and childcare staff be prioritized for the vaccine and we will continue to do this advocacy. 

At this time of intense COVID fatigue, we must continue to make sacrifices to protect our community until the vaccine is available to all. Continue to wear your mask, socially distance, and avoid crowded places. If you gather with anyone out of your household, travel out of state, or have any symptoms of COVID, please stay home and arrange testing. If you or your family member gets COVID please follow the Vermont Department of Health testing and quarantine guidelines to reduce its transmission. We must continue to do our part to prevent the spread of this disease. Our community, schools, childcare centers and children are counting on you. We’ve got this. 

Thank you, 

Leah Costello, MD FAAP 

Timber Lane Pediatrics