Unvaccinated kids should continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor settings.

While vaccinated tweens and teens above the age of 12 can now go maskless in most situations—with the exception of some settings, like schools and healthcare facilities—unvaccinated kids should continue to wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public places, plus any crowded outdoor activities where they’re in close contact with others who may be unvaccinated.

Choose low-risk activities—and avoid ones that are higher-risk.

“Until your child is old enough for the vaccine, being outside in the fresh air is the best way to reduce their risk of catching or spreading COVID-19,” says Connecticut Children’s Physician-in-Chief Juan C. Salazar, MD, MPH.

So when planning your family’s summer fun, opt for outdoor activities like camping or visiting a quiet beach or park. Kids who are not at high risk for COVID complications can also safely visit vaccinated relatives indoors and unmasked, so grandparent visits are back on!

What activities should you steer clear of? Indoor dining and movie theaters are higher-risk for those who are unvaccinated, particularly when masks are off for an extended period of time. Dr. Salazar breaks down the risk of other popular summer activities, from playdates to public pools.

Confirm COVID precautions ahead of time when planning gatherings and activities.

With more parties and playdates back on the calendar, make sure you understand what precautions are in place for gatherings so that you can determine if they're safe options for your family.

For example, says Dr. Salazar: If the activity is indoors, will masks be required for unvaccinated individuals? Is social distancing possible? How many people will be in attendance?

Weigh the risks before planning a family vacation.

The CDC advises anyone who isn’t fully vaccinated to continue to avoid travel, and that includes kids. But, if you're planning a trip anyway, make sure to consider your children's individual risk factors as well as COVID risks at your destination. Short drives, outdoor activities, and a private place to stay can all help to minimize risks on your getaway.

Keep your kids home if they’re under the weather.

If your child is feeling sick—especially if they may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19—make sure to keep them home and put in a call to your doctor to see if they should be tested.

Schedule your child's vaccine when it becomes available to their age group.

Trials are already underway for those under 12, so listen for news regarding when new age groups will be eligible for the COVID vaccine. Plan to get your children vaccinated and, if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.

Looking for more expert tips to navigate this next chapter? From vaccine FAQs to helping kids cope with social anxiety as group activities ramp back up, make sure to take a look at Connecticut Children's resource kit for your family’s “next normal” during COVID-19.

Connecticut Children’s is ranked one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and Women’s Choice, including the state’s top pediatric orthopedics program. As an integrated health system, they provide more than 30 pediatric specialties conveniently delivered at locations close to home—including Danbury, Fairfield, Norwalk, Shelton and Stamford—and by Video Visit.

Photo courtesy of Connecticut Children's