UCMS Follows Urge For Young Adult Vaccinations As Delta Variant Spreads

The Upper Cumberland Medical Society sides with national leaders urging young adults to get vaccinated.

Society President Dr. Dawn Barlow said she suspects that the Delta variant of COVID has reached the region. The more contagious mutation has raised concerns in the medical world.

“We are seeing young people get sicker with the Delta variant, and we also know that young people are a vector for spread,” Barlow said. “As long as we are having continued spread, we are going to have mutations of the virus.”

Barlow said overall, the Upper Cumberland comparatively does not have a high rate of vaccinations outside of the 65 and older group. Barlow said it is important for all ages to be vaccinated as the Delta variant continues to spread.

“We got a lot of work to do getting patients vaccinated,” Barlow said. “Particularly with young adults and children 12 and older, there may be a lot of hesitancy to get the vaccine, because they don’t think they are going to be sick or they think if they get sick, their disease may not be as severe. But, it is still important.”

Barlow said for children 12 and older, the society recommends parents speak to a pediatrician for vaccination decisions.

“I am a parent, all parents, we love our children, and we want to do the right thing for their children,” Barlow said. “We know some parents may have questions and concerns about the vaccine. Those are things that the physicians in the medical community are here to answer those questions for you.”

Barlow said at the same time, it is even more important for at-risk groups and people above the age of 65 to get vaccinated. Barlow said the deaths that the country are seeing are preventable through medicine.