“As a primary source of child immunizations and other pediatric, child, and adolescent primary care services, family physicians are well-equipped to counsel families on COVID-19 vaccines and eager to administer the vaccine to adolescents and adults. Nearly 90% of family physicians provide flu and other recommended vaccines to adolescents. The AAFP is encouraged by President Biden’s intent to distribute vaccines directly to family medicine practices and we look forward to hearing more about the administration’s plan for implementation. This is a welcome change, as recent survey data from the Kaiser Family Foundation suggests patients would prefer to receive the vaccine from their own physician.
“It is vital that children and adolescents be vaccinated against COVID-19, when eligible, in order to protect their own health, as well as that of their families and communities. We encourage our patients to speak with their family physician about how to get the vaccine and learn more about how getting vaccinated builds a community of immunity.
“While vaccines are our most effective tool to combat COVID-19, it remains critical that we all continue to practice social distancing, mask wearing, and frequent handwashing. Working together, we can end the pandemic and save lives.”