State and federal health officials said fully vaccinated people can ditch face masks indoors and outdoors. But some New Mexico doctors recommend people wear face masks inside because children under 12 aren’t allowed to get vaccinated yet. “I’m a little bit worried that we’re letting out guard down too quickly,” said Dr. Alex Cvijanovich, a pediatrician at Presbyterian Medical.Cvijanovich said she’s impressed with the state’s vaccination efforts and said it’s a nice gesture that the state is relaxing face mask rules. However, she worries about the children she treats. “I do worry that with this latest guidance that people will start taking off their masks even if they’re not vaccinated,” Cvijanovich said. “They will be potentially exposing children who still can’t be vaccinated, so kids under the age of 12.”KOAT Medical Expert Dr. Barry Ramo shares the same concerns. “If you think children don’t get this disease, you’re wrong. Millions of children have been infected with COVID-19,” Ramo said.He is encouraging all New Mexicans to get vaccinated for the kids who can’t get it yet. “Not only will you do this for yourself, but you’ll do this for all the kids who haven’t been vaccinated,” Ramo said.Both of these doctors said it’s a person’s choice to not get vaccinated, but if a person chooses to go without a mask indoors, they should keep in mind that they could potentially spread the virus to kids. “Really important that we continue to keep them safe and protected until we can get them vaccinated, which will hopefully comes soon,” Cvijanovich said. “But until then I do think we need to practice extra caution to protect our future generations and babies .”
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
State and federal health officials said fully vaccinated people can ditch face masks indoors and outdoors. But some New Mexico doctors recommend people wear face masks inside because children under 12 aren’t allowed to get vaccinated yet.
“I’m a little bit worried that we’re letting out guard down too quickly,” said Dr. Alex Cvijanovich, a pediatrician at Presbyterian Medical.
Cvijanovich said she’s impressed with the state’s vaccination efforts and said it’s a nice gesture that the state is relaxing face mask rules. However, she worries about the children she treats.
“I do worry that with this latest guidance that people will start taking off their masks even if they’re not vaccinated,” Cvijanovich said. “They will be potentially exposing children who still can’t be vaccinated, so kids under the age of 12.”
KOAT Medical Expert Dr. Barry Ramo shares the same concerns.
“If you think children don’t get this disease, you’re wrong. Millions of children have been infected with COVID-19,” Ramo said.
He is encouraging all New Mexicans to get vaccinated for the kids who can’t get it yet.
“Not only will you do this for yourself, but you’ll do this for all the kids who haven’t been vaccinated,” Ramo said.
Both of these doctors said it’s a person’s choice to not get vaccinated, but if a person chooses to go without a mask indoors, they should keep in mind that they could potentially spread the virus to kids.
“Really important that we continue to keep them safe and protected until we can get them vaccinated, which will hopefully comes soon,” Cvijanovich said. “But until then I do think we need to practice extra caution to protect our future generations and babies .”