Updated July 7, 2022
COVID-19 has presented everyone with a unique situation, but it's especially unique—and stressful—for parents and caregivers. Use the resources here to get answers to your questions and to guide decisions around work, school and family life.
Information You Can Use
Press Releases
For the latest COVID-19 news and information in Spokane County see Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) press releases.
Blog
Find current COVID-19 topics and related tips, including family friendly info, on the SRHD blog.
School Information
For information about area schools, see Schools and Childcare.
COVID-19 in Children and Teens
While children and teens are less likely to experience severe illness with COVID-19 than adults, they can still become infected, and some children go on to develop severe illness with COVID-19 and a condition known as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Children, like adults, can also spread the virus that causes COVID-19 to others. Visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) page about COVID-19, families and children for more information about what we know about COVID-19 in young people and how to protect your family.
The COVID-19 Conversation
COVID-19 has been hard, and talking about it with children can be tough, complicated or both. For recommendations about talking with children about COVID-19 and how to avoid spreading it, see these tips from the CDC or read the Coping with COVID blog from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
Vaccination
Everyone ages 6 months and older is eligible to get their COVID-19 vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe illness and hospitalization from COVID-19. While children are less likely to become severely ill with COVID-19, we know that they can spread it to others. Vaccination in children helps protect vulnerable family members while making it safer for children to participate activities like school and sports.
Learn more about pediatric COVID-19 vaccine and where to schedule an appointment.
Does Your Child Have Questions About Getting Vaccinated?
Just like adults, children have questions about getting their COVID-19 vaccine too. Watch this kid-safe video series with your child for answers to some of those questions. In it, Health Officer Francisco Velázquez answers kids’ questions about the vaccine and getting their shot.