Here's what the CDC's new COVID-19 guidance means for unvaccinated kids this summer

BALTIMORE (WBFF) - The CDC recently loosened mask and social distancing guidelines for people who are fully vaccinated.

But what does that mean for parents with children under 12 who can’t get the shot?

Infectious disease experts are weighing in as we head into summer and as more places open up.

Earlier this month, the CDC said people who have been fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks in most places.

Right now children under 12 are not eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

“We are not yet to herd immunity or even close to it,” said Dr. Lisa Maragakis. “We have so many susceptible individuals who can still become infected.”

Dr. Maragakis is an infectious disease expert and Associate Professor of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

She said parents should err on the side of caution this summer when it comes to protecting their little ones who don’t yet have the opportunity to get vaccinated.

“Continue to have the children wear a mask, physical distancing, particularly in indoor settings.”

While cases have shown children are less likely than adults to contract Covid-19, Dr. Maragakis said children can contract the virus and that in some cases it can be severe.

READ| Baltimore City to keep mask mandate, all other area counties will lift it

If you’re thinking about summer camps, summer vacations and events in the coming months, there are some thighs to keep in mind.

“I would encourage you to really talk to the organizer and make sure that they have a plan in place to have safety precautions,” Dr. Maragakis said.

Infectious disease experts say to protect children and those with underlying health conditions, it’s important that those who are eligible get vaccinated.

“Because ultimately that interrupts viral transmission and helps protect the most vulnerable among us who can’t get vaccinated and who’s immune system can’t respond to the vaccine,” Dr. Maragakis said.

The tricky part is being able to tell who is really vaccinated and who is not, which is largely based on an honor system.

“The unfortunate piece of it is that some people who are unvaccinated may slip through and go mask-less and decide that they don’t need to wear the mask and we’ll have no way of knowing, said Dr. Maragakis. “I think unvaccinated people or partially vaccinated people need to exercise even more caution in the coming weeks until they can become fully vaccinated.”

Click here for the CDC’s new guidelines for fully vaccinated people.