News 12’s Elizabeth Hashagen was joined this morning by Dr. Tom McGinn, executive vice president at Common Spirit Health and professor at Baylor College of Medicine, to talk about masks, vaccines and new variants of COVID. 

COVID-19 cases are increasing across the U.S., driven by BA.5 - the most transmissible variant of the coronavirus yet. Reinfections are also up and may increase the likelihood of new health problems. Even President Joe Biden has contracted the virus, forcing him to work in isolation from the White House. Yet, COVID-19 was a central concern to just 26% of voters, far behind the economy, abortion and the climate crisis. McGinn talks about the importance of being smart when it comes to the virus and protecting yourself: 

Kaiser Family Foundation, which has monitored vaccine attitudes throughout the pandemic, found that a majority of parents considered the vaccine a greater risk to their children than the coronavirus itself. A survey found that 43% of parents of children ages 6 months through 4 years said they would refuse the shots, and an additional 27% said they were uncertain. 

MORE: Study: 43% of parent say they are 'definitely not' getting kids 5 and younger vaccinated

McGinn talks about the fears parents have about the vaccine:

The World Health Organization is now looking at post COVID-19 conditions in children and young persons. It is important for people to understand the frequency, characteristics and risk factors that lead to post COVID-19 condition in these populations of children and young people. Should people be concerned about these symptoms? 

As this confusing COVID time continues, many people are wondering when will SARS Co V-2 be called the fifth common coronavirus cold?