Q: My 14-year-old son was invited to go to a water park by a friend and I just learned neither the friend nor any of his family have been vaccinated for COVID-19. Our family is all vaccinated. It makes me nervous. Is it safe to let him go?

The panel agrees that this is a challenging time and there are a lot of conflicting messages out there. As of the deadline for this column, everyone age 12 and up is eligible to get a free vaccine against COVID-19.

“The world is moving towards everyone being vaccinated,” said panelist Mike Daniels.

The panel suggests talking with a doctor about your concerns, especially if your son has any underlying conditions.

The most recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines recommend anyone who is fully-vaccinated wear a face mask in public indoor settings in counties of substantial or high transmission.

“Everyone has feelings about this issue and each person has to make their own decision,” said panelist Joanne Raftas. “We have to respect that unless we are willing to cut off all relations with people.”

Panelist Wanda Mercado-Arroyo said that not all experts are in agreement and some individuals think it’s a privacy issue.

Children have always been at risk of catching contagious diseases from other children, the panel said.

“How many times has a child with a runny nose been brought to school?,” asked Raftas.

“We used to joke about everyone in school sharing colds,” added Daniels.

Panelist Pam Wallace wondered how crowded the water park is and suggested that might be a deciding factor.

Raftas said that parents can’t protect a child from every risk.

“If you don’t have a gun in your house and your 14-year-old goes to a friend’s house, you do not know if the other house is safe. I think having a gun in the house is a lot more unsafe than not having a shot,” Raftas said.

Raftas noted that children under 12 are not vaccinated and there will likely be many younger children at the water park.

“Your son’s friend is more at risk than your son,” Raftas said.

However, if anyone experiences flu-like symptoms, they should quarantine and get tested.

This week’s panel: Pam Wallace, program coordinator, Project Child, a program of Valley Youth House; Chad Stefanyak, school counselor; Mike Daniels, LCSW, Psychotherapist; Wanda Mercado-Arroyo, former teacher and school administrator, and Joanne T. Raftas, registered play therapist and counselor.

Have a question? Email: projectchild@projectchildlv.org

The Family Project is a collaboration of the Lehigh Valley Press Focus section and Valley Youth House’s Project Child.

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.