The American Academy of Pediatrics is encouraging all students 2+ to wear a mask in class, regardless of vaccination status.

Right now, only one-third of New Yorkers ages 12 to 15 years old - and half of those 15 to 25 - are fully vaccinated.

These are the lowest vaccinated age groups in the state.

The AAP says universal masking in schools is best because such a large number of students are unvaccinated or ineligible to get the shot.

Doctors say without preventative measures, unvaccinated kids can make unvaccinated adults sick, which could prolong the pandemic.

"You've heard pediatricians say throughout the pandemic kids are not that sick. We know that. So, why are we so worried about them? Well, they're the kindling that sets the flame, and right now they're the biggest hole in the fence outside of the unvaccinated," says Westmed Dr. Dan Cohen.

Last month, the CDC offered different guidance, saying fully vaccinated students, teachers and staff do NOT have to wear a mask in school.