Hi there,
This week another exciting advancement in our fight against COVID-19 occurred. Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for emergency use for youth ages 12 to 15. As a parent or guardian, you may have some questions about the COVID-19 vaccine in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics provides answers to some of the most common questions families may have about COVID-19 vaccines. Pfizer’s trials in children age 6 months to 11 years old is ongoing. More information is below about the Health Division’s availability of vaccine for this age group and the recent authorization.
On Wednesday, we recognized School Nurses Day. School nurses have played a critical role in helping schools prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Oakland County. Our Oakland Together School Nurse initiative provides students, parents, teachers and staff the guidance and recommendation for safe in-person learning.
Check out our weekly COVID-19 Update video which provides more information about this program, how we partner with Oakland County schools and general vaccination updates.
Today the state’s COVID-19 vaccine dashboard reports 1,142,677 doses have been given to Oakland County residents by all providers including 339,542 doses administered by Oakland County. Visit the Oakland County Vaccine Hub for even more data related to vaccination.
In good health,
Leigh-Anne Stafford
Director, Health and Human Services
Pfizer vaccine now authorized for youth age 12-15
Earlier this week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized emergency use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12 to 15.
When the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorizes a COVID-19 vaccine, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) quickly reviews all available clinical data about that vaccine including:
- Who received the vaccine (age, race, ethnicity, underlying medical conditions)
- How different groups responded to the vaccine
- What side effects people had
The FDA has determined that the known and potential benefits of this vaccine in individuals 12 years of age and older outweigh known and potential risks of COVID-19, supporting the vaccine’s use in this population. 2,260 participants ages 12 through 15 years old enrolled in an ongoing randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in the United States. Of these, 1,131 adolescent participants received the vaccine and 1,129 received a placebo. More than half of the participants were followed for safety for at least two months following the second dose with no significant adverse effects.
The Pfizer vaccine is administered as a series of two doses, 21 days a part, following the same dosage and dosing regimen for those 16 years of age and older.
The Health Division is providing vaccine to this age group at all locations where the Pfizer vaccine will be available. To make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination or see a list of our walk-in locations click on our Get Vaccinated page. Vaccination appointments can also be booked over the phone by calling 800-848-5533, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Minors under age 18 will need a parent or legal guardian to accompany them to their appointment and provide consent to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
As with any vaccination for adolescents, it is recommended that adolescents have eaten and are well hydrated prior to their vaccination. More information is available in Teens and COVID-19 Vaccines.
Oakland County vaccine providers for homebound residents
Individuals who are unable to be transported to a drive-thru or walk-in vaccination site may be able to be served by a mobile vaccine provider. Typically, only the 1-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be used. Make your vaccine appointment directly with one of the providers below:
MobiCare, LLC.
FNP Collaborative Solutions
If calling, you may be prompted to leave a message. You will receive a return call to schedule an appointment.
MDHHS launches Michigan Vacc to Normal Milestone Tracker
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) launched the Vacc to Normal Milestone Tracker to complement the Michigan COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard. This Tracker includes vaccinations of Michiganders received both in-state and out-of-state, allowing the state to provide more comprehensive data on vaccination milestones as they are reached.
The tracker uses vaccination counts from the CDC COVID Data Tracker to provide information on the number of Michiganders ages 16 and older who have received their first dose. CDC has access to administration data from providers who are not currently reporting to the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), including federal entities, such as Veteran’s hospitals and Department of Defense Facilities, and out-of-state providers who administered vaccine to Michigan residents.
Michigan residents who have been vaccinated in another state are urged to bring their vaccination card to their health care provider at their next appointment to have their immunization information updated in MCIR.
OaklandCountyVaccine.com is the best place to receive the latest information.
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