A new COVID-19 variant has made its way to the United States – the new EG.5 variant, which makes up over 17% of COVID-19 cases across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control.  

Kids and parents are now faced with juggling the risks of COVID-19 once again, and doctors want to give a reminder for those going back to the classroom.  

Pediatric specialist Hal Sit stresses that remaining safe from the virus starts with staying up-to-date on vaccines. He suggests that if your child is not up-to-date, to get the new bivalence vaccine – a resource that has adapted to the new variants of COVID-19 time and time again.  

“Most kids are going to need an updated shot before back to school, just because rates have been low,” said Sitt. “I think there’s going to be a lot of kids out there who haven’t gotten a COVID-19 vaccine in some time, so with rates rising and back to school, it’s definitely a good time.” 

Dr. Sitt wants to remind parents that at the sight of any symptoms to keep them home from school and get them tested quickly.