The Medical Association of the State of Alabama will host a Facebook Live webcast on Thursday at 4:00 p.m CT with State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris and pediatric infectious disease expert Dr. David Kimberlin to discuss vaccinating children against COVID-19, the safety of masking and best practices for safely returning to school.

The format allows parents and others to watch and submit questions. The Medical Association’s President Dr. Aruna Arora will also join the discussion.

The Medical Association says that children 12 years and older are able to get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and doctors advise that everyone 12 and older should get a COVID-19 vaccination to help protect themselves and others from the virus.

“Many parents have questions and concerns as their children get ready to start school at the same time COVID infections and hospitalizations are on the rise,” said Dr. Arora. “The Medical Association is pleased to host this event where parents and others can get the accurate and reliable information they need. It’s perfectly normal to have questions, and anyone with questions about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines should talk to a medical doctor.”

The discussion is part of a weekly Facebook Live COVID update sponsored by the Medical Association that takes place every Thursday when Dr. Harris and other medical experts discuss the pandemic and how individuals can protect themselves against the virus.

The public is encouraged to view and participate in the conversation, which will be live streamed on the Medical Association’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MedicalAssnAlabama.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL