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To: Family Medicine and Pediatric Healthcare Professionals

From: Sana Ahmed, MD, Medical Epidemiologist, Communicable Disease Program, Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center (LCHD/CHC)

Resources and Support for COVID-19 Vaccination Ages 6 Months - 4 Years

Dear Lake County Providers,

The COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be authorized for children aged 6 months through 4 years in the coming weeks. As a Lake County vaccine partner, we want to make sure you’re prepared to vaccinate this new age group.COVID-19 now ranks in the top 10 leading causes of death in children ages 5–11 years old. It is more important than ever to make sure that young people are protected against COVID-19.  Unlike with other age groups, pharmacies are not authorized to provide vaccines to children under 3 years old.  Pediatric and family medicine healthcare professionals will be the primary source of vaccinations for children under 3.

As a provider and trusted voice, we need your help in getting children vaccinated! Lake County has seen declining rates in vaccination among younger age groups. It is evident that parents are hesitant to vaccinate their young children. As younger age groups become eligible for COVID-19 vaccination, your role as a provider becomes even more important. Parents feel most comfortable getting their child vaccinated at their trusted provider’s office, and pediatric and family medicine healthcare professionals are parent’s most trusted source of information to combat vaccine hesitancy. You can help positively impact the health of your patients and the community by preparing to vaccinate this new age group.

Thank you for your partnership in ensuring that vaccines are available and accessible to all in our county.

Resources

• Online resource to prepare to vaccinate young children: Illinois Vaccinates - COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation
• Live bootcamps designed to give providers and provider organizations important foundational knowledge and skills related to COVID-19 vaccine administration and distribution. There is an upcoming bootcamp focused on pediatric populations on March 1, 2022, at 5:30 PM. Register here: Meeting Registration - Zoom
• Handouts and Infographics answering questions about the COVID-19 vaccine that can be shared with parents and posted in clinical settings are available here: COVID-19 Immunization Campaign - Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics (illinoisaap.org)
• Have Questions? Submit any questions about COVID-19 vaccination of pediatric patients here and connect with a regional specialist who will assist: Implementation Support - I-VAC (illinoisvaccinates.com)