CKF North York Blog - Three Tips to Help Protect Pediatric Patients this Summer

Mackenzie Law | July 2, 2021

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From online school and missing milestone life events to being unable to discover the world through travel or connect in-person with family members and friends, this past year has changed everything about our daily lives. With Canada’s high vaccination percentages and partially lifted restrictions, there is a sense of hope that life will soon return to normal.

However, when making plans this summer, it’s important to continue considering the health of pediatric patients and survivors - who often are immunocompromised and could be at risk of more severe Covid-19 cases. That being said, here are three tips on how to help protect pediatric patients and survivors while having fun this summer.

1. Understand your vaccination

It’s been great to see Canada’s massive intake of Covid-19 vaccinations since the beginning of our rollout, but it’s important to understand what being vaccinated actually means. Research has shown that - despite being up to 95% protected - those who are vaccinated are still at risk of being asymptomatic carriers of the virus and can transmit it to others. So, even if you’ve been vaccinated, it’s important to continue wearing masks, washing hands and overall remaining cautious about your level of exposure to others - especially those more at risk to severe symptoms, like pediatric patients.

2. Travel responsibly

Travel has definitely been one of the parts of my life that I’ve missed the most in this past year and, like many others, I can’t wait to get back on a plane. With non-essential travel restrictions lifting for vaccinated Canadians, I expect to see many vacation pictures on my Instagram feed this summer. It’s important to travel responsibly, though. Despite the Covid-19 pandemic, pediatric patients may still have to travel to get to clinical trials or see specialized oncologists - among other reasons. Therefore, to protect their health, it’s important to get tested when necessary, practice social distancing and follow all Covid protocols while travelling.

3. Remember that cancer treatment isn’t always visible

When you’re out this summer, it’s important to keep in mind that cancer treatment and suppressed immune systems may not always be in plain sight. Although cancer treatment can be visible, you may not always be able to tell whether someone is undergoing treatment or not. Siblings of pediatric patients also won’t look like they’re being impacted by childhood cancer, but exposing them to the virus could lead them to transmit it to their sibling undergoing pediatric treatment. A recent study has shown that bone marrow transplant patients - with surgeries dating back to over a year prior - have a 68% survival rate of Covid-19 (versus about 95% in the general population). So, it’s important to maintain all Covid protocols regardless of who’s in your company.

Overall, it’s important to understand that - even though things are slowly returning to normal - we still have to continue following the government and WHO’s Covid guidelines. As always, remember to be respectful of others (especially their levels of comfort with the pandemic) and do your part in protecting pediatric patients this summer.

The biggest thanks go to our devoted volunteers, Walkathon participants and donors. You’ve all helped make the month of June our chapter’s best month yet! If you’re interested in learning more, making a donation or joining the team, follow our instagram (@cancerkidsfirst.northyork) or email us (cancerkidsfirstnorthyork@gmail.com) for more information.

Have fun (but safe!) summers and don’t forget to check out our summer bucket list!