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Youth Sports: A COVID-19 Safety Checklist
Having COVID-19 vaccines available for ages 5 and up is a game changer for many families. Being fully vaccinated can keep kids healthy for fun activities like youth sports. Kids First Pediatrics now offers a free COVID vaccine clinic. More info here.
Even with the omicron variant spreading and a record number of COVID-19 cases in kids, we have proven tools and strategies to protect youth athletes starting or returning to sports and other activities.
Fortunately, fully vaccinated children and teens mostly have not been severely ill from COVID or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). However, any child or teen who recently had COVID-19 should be screened before resuming physical activity, regardless of how minor their symptoms were. This can be through a phone, telemedicine or in-person visit with your Kids First provider. During the assessment, your child can be evaluated for any possible effects of COVID-19 on the heart. Kids First of Raleigh and Clayton offer well visits and sports physicals. Call to book. Raleigh: 919-250-3478 or Clayton: 919-267-1499.
Read on for more ways to get your child ready to safely participate in sports and other physical activity.
Before the sports season starts
Prior to practice or games
During sports practice or games
After sports practice or games
Remember
For children too young to get the COVID vaccine, it is especially important to continue steps that reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Talk with your child’s Kids First Provider if you have any questions about your child participating safely in sports, based on vaccination eligibility, COVID-19 rates in your community and your child’s health. Raleigh: 919-250-3478 or Clayton: 919-267-1499.
*This article is informational but is not a substitute for medical attention or information from your provider.
More Information
The information was adapted from material developed jointly by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, and the National Athletic Trainers Association.