weeks ahead, and even if the omicron variant isn't as is severe -- >> the problem is with so many adults infected, even if the percent hospitalization rate is lower, we're still -- we could see more children hospitalized over a very short period of time. so that certainly puts a strain on our health care resources. >> reporter: miguel marques, cnn, houston, texas. >> thank you, miguel. well, medical experts in the u.s. keep warning parents that their children are at greater risk of getting sick from omicron variant, and that for most vaccination is an opportunity, of course, to keep them out of the hospital. here's one doctor's plea. >> even before this wave, hospitals were being overrun. they were being overrun because of delta, but also they are facing substantial staffing shortages and also many patients put off their medical care. and so hospitals that were already at the brink, even a little bit additional from omicron, is pushing them over