Michael Barsotti News Today

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immeasurable impact on American children. And while the effects on social development and academic progress will take years — or generations — to assess, the virus also has taken an immediate toll.

More than 140,000 children in the United States have lost a parent or grandparent to COVID-19. In Washington, researchers estimate 1,428 children have suffered such a loss.

KXLY May 11, 2021 6:21 PM Elenee Dao SPOKANE, Wash. — A hug from grandpa and grandma—that’s one reason why Jennifer Brake’s kids want to get the COVID vaccine. “They’re super excited to get vaccinated. For them, it’s going to see grandma and grandpa, that kind of thing. Being able to feel a little more freedom with your family,” she told 4 News Now. Christy Claeson wants her daughters to get vaccinated so everyone can get back to normal sooner. “They j...