Return to School for Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients in the United States During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Expert Opinion on Key Considerations and Best Practices
Kevin J. Downes, Lara Danziger‐Isakov, Melissa K. Cousino, Michael Green, Marian G. Michaels, William J. Muller, Rachel C. Orscheln, Tanvi Sharma, Victoria A. Statler, Rachel L Wattier, Monica I. Ardura
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has created many challenges for pediatric solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and their families. As the pandemic persists, patients and their families struggle to identify the best and safest practices for resuming activities as areas reopen. Notably, decisions about returning to school remain difficult. We assembled a team of pediatric infectious diseases (ID), transplant ID, public health, transplant psychology, and infection prevention and control specialists to address the primary concerns about school reentry for pediatric SOT recipients in the United States. Based on available literature and guidance from national organizations, we generated consensus statements pertaining to school reentry specific to pediatric SOT recipients. Although data are limited and the COVID-19 pandemic is highly dynamic, our goal was to create a framework from which providers and caregivers can identify the most important considerations for each pediatric SOT recipient to promote a safe return to school.