'Considered vulnerable': Doctors say kids, unvaccinated people should still wear masks

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – As many stores and cities end their mask mandates, many may be wondering what that means for kids and others who aren’t vaccinated.

Doctors say they are still vulnerable and should wear masks. Children under the age of 11 are not yet eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Trials are underway right now to determine the proper dosage.

“The vaccines for this age group are coming and it’ll be wonderful when we're able to give it to them, they sacrifice as much as us and to give them that kind of protection will be really great,” UW Health Assistant Professor Adult & Pediatric Infectious Disease Dr. Joseph McBride said.

McBride said it is likely the vaccines for children will be available next year or possibly later this year.

In the meantime, he says children should still be wearing masks in public, especially when around other kids and unvaccinated adults.

“Until we have vaccines in the arms of these children they should still be considered vulnerable,” he said. “So when they’re out in public, whether it’s in a school setting, a summer camp setting, going to the movie theater or a Brewers game or whatever it might be, they should still be wearing masks for their protection.”

McBride also said even if half of a family is vaccinated, precautions should still be taken for those who aren’t.

Last week, the CDC ruled the COVID-19 vaccine can be given alongside other vaccines making distribution easier in the future.