COVID cases spike just as kids prepare to head back to school

The average number of new cases has more than doubled in the past two weeks, with nearly 1000 new cases in the past 24 hours on Wednesday.

With children under 12 still not eligible for a shot, one vaccine researcher has advice for families who are getting ready to send students back to the classroom.

First, more teens need to get vaccinated, says Dr. Tony Moody, who works for the Duke Human Vaccine Institute.

Also, he says, schools need to require younger children to keep wearing masks until they're eligible for the vaccine.

This year's back-to-school routine includes a COVID vaccine for many kids – including 13-year-old Olivia Cook.

Her mom, Alena, brought her to Smithfield-Selma High School for a COVID vaccine clinic for teens and adolescents in Johnston County.

"I wanted to come here because of school starting soon, so I wanted to be extra protected from the virus," said Olivia.

Her mom says it was hard waiting for her to become eligible because the rest of the family had to continue following mask guidance and safety precautions.

Her 11-year-old son still isn't eligible for a shot.

"We’ll be waiting until he’s old enough to get the vaccine," she said.

A study for the Pfizer vaccine involving children younger than 12 is now in its next phase.

Duke Health is part of that study.

"We want to move these things as quickly as possible, but safety is always the primary concern," said Moody.

Moody urges more teens to get vaccinated – to protect themselves and also younger siblings headed back into the classroom.

He says it'll likely be early fall before a vaccine is approved for children under the age of 12; however, he encourages parents to send their kids to school, even without vaccinations.

"I think it’s important for school systems to be aware of the data," he said.

Wake County is looking to partner with the schools and back-to-school supply events on vaccinations.

For those still looking to get vaccinated, free COVID shots are being offered in Moore Square Park on Thursday.