“We have to get back to that cycle of making sure that our children are vaccinated,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser on Monday.

Govs. Larry Hogan and Ralph Northam announced separate vaccine requirements for some state employees as COVID-19 continues to spread across the D.C. region.

Physicians and lawmakers emphasize that allowing children to seek vaccines without permission from parents can spare children from becoming sick with preventable illnesses.

With most coronavirus restrictions lifted, children can partake in camps, family visits, and the joys of letting loose outside again after last summer’s lockdown.

With nearly half the state’s population vaccinated, Maryland is beginning to shut down its large state-run vaccination clinics.

“Locating a clinic in an underserved area is not enough,” one community health leader says.

But some say it’s not enough.

Vaccinations will begin on Monday for D.C. teaching and support staff in coordination with the city and Children’s National Hospital.

During Friday’s episode of “The Politics Hour,” Bowser shared her thoughts on the federal government’s vaccine distribution plan, her own plans for taking it, and more.

Public health experts and health care providers are preparing to take on the seasonal flu this fall, while contending with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.