Since the time that vaccinations for the many COVID-19 permutations became available, The Mining Journal has been an unwavering voice of support for getting the shots.

That’s not to say we have opposed other forms of COVID-19 virus treatments. We haven’t. But overwhelmingly the science suggests that vaccinations give people the best chance of staying out of the hospital if they get sick with the coronavirus.

Now, parents and caregivers can get their children ages 6 months to 5 years inoculated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines that has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration — so, once again we are recommending that young children be vaccinated.

The shots are now available locally.

“I urge parents to get their children vaccinated so they can enjoy their summer and get ready for the fall, knowing they are protected,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a statement. “Parents have been patiently waiting for a vaccine for younger children for years, and now we are ready to help our little ones get the best protection. I am grateful to every Michigander who has gotten their COVID vaccine, taking action to keep themselves and all our friends, families and neighbors safe.”

According to the Associated Press, Michigan has had more than 427,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases in ages 19 and younger, and 44 deaths reported in newborns to age 19 as of June 15, MDHHS said.

To date, more than 6.7 million Michiganders have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Get your kids vaccinated. Is it a perfect solution? Nope. But given the nature of the COVID-19 beast, it’s the best thing we can do.

— The Mining Journal, Marquette