Idaho doctors react to news of first child death from COVID-19

By Samantha Wright,

Gemma Gaudette

Published November 10, 2021 at 9:17 PM MST

Leah Lefkove, 9, shows off her vaccination sticker just before being the first child to be vaccinated at the Viral Solutions vaccination and testing site in Decatur, Ga., on the first day COVID-19 vaccinations were available for children from 5 to 12 on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021. The U.S. enters a new phase Wednesday in its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, with shots now available to millions of elementary-age children in what health officials hailed as a major breakthrough after more than 18 months of illness, hospitalizations, deaths and disrupted education. (AP Photo/Ben Gray)

The state Department of Health and Welfare announced the first death of an Idaho child due to COVID-19. Idaho Matters talks with two doctors about the news of the infant's death, which comes after kids aged 5-11 are able to get the vaccine.

Our guests today:

Dr. David Pate, member of the governor's coronavirus task force and former CEO of St. Luke's Health System
Dr. Meghan McInerney, St. Alphonsus ICU Medical Director

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Samantha Wright

As Senior Producer of our live daily talk show Idaho Matters, I’m able to indulge my love of storytelling and share all kinds of information (I was probably a Town Crier in a past life!). My career has allowed me to learn something new everyday and to share that knowledge with all my friends on the radio.

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Gemma Gaudette

Hi! I’m Gemma Gaudette, the host of the award-winning show, Idaho Matters. During the day you’ll find me researching and writing about all the fascinating topics we tackle on our show. And of course, at noon, each weekday you’ll find me live behind the microphone as Idaho Matters airs.

See stories by Gemma Gaudette