Pfizer vaccine for 5-to 11-year-olds; boosters and more
The Plumas County Public Health Agency is spreading the news that youth age 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive the COVID vaccine and that booster shots are available for adults.
The Pfizer vaccine has received emergency use authorization from the FDA and the Western States Scientific Review Workgroup has completed its review of the federal process. It has concluded that the vaccine is safe and effective for children in that age group.
The Public Health Agency will be hosting COVID-19 vaccination clinics at school sites next week, and this week is explaining why the vaccine is recommended. “According to the CDC, COVID-19 in children can result in hospitalization, death, MIS-C (multi-system inflammatory syndrome) and long-term complications, such as ‘long haul COVID,’ in which symptoms can linger for months.”
The spread of the Delta variant has seen a surge in cases and during a six-week period in late June to mid-August, hospitalizations increased five fold. COVID-19 is currently the eighth leading cause of death in children. Locally, the county has seen an increase in cases in the schools and some classrooms have closed as a result.
As of now the vaccine is voluntary, but the vaccine will become mandatory for in-class instruction following full FDA approval.
The vaccine will be available at school sites next week as well as the public health department.
Boosters
The California Department of Public Health recommends a booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna if you:
Received your second dose at least six months ago, and
- are 65 0r older
- age 18-plus an live in long term care settings, or
- age 18-plus and have underlying medical conditions, or
- age 18-plus and are at increased risk due to social inequity, or
- age 18-plus and work or live in a high risk setting
A booster dose of Johnson & Johnson is recommended if you:
Received your first dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least 2 month ago, and are 18 and older.
Those who received this vaccine can elect to receive a Pfizer or Moderna booster.
Locations
COVID-19 vaccinations including booster vaccines are available at the following locations:
Plumas County Public Health (530) 283-6330
Eastern Plumas Health Care (530) 832-6561
Plumas District Hospital (530) 283-5640
Lassen Drug – Chester (530) 258-2261
RiteAid – Quincy (530) 283-1809
Quincy Pharmacy – Quincy (530) 283-4545
