SLC Public Health - vaccines for youth 5-11

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Public Health & Human Services Dept. • 320 West Second Street, Suite 605 • Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 726-2096 • www.stlouiscountymn.gov

Linnea Mirsch
Director

NEWS RELEASE

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
November 3, 2021

CONTACT: Dana Kazel, Communications Manager

218-725-5049 (office) • 218-591-2219 (cell)

 

St. Louis County Public Health encourages COVID-19 vaccines for youth ages 5-11

With extensive reviews complete and final authorizations given for children ages 5-11 to receive the Pfizer vaccine as protection against COVID-19, St. Louis County Public Health is encouraging parents and guardians to check their healthcare provider's website for information and instructions on vaccine availability for children, or contact their pediatrician's office with questions. Other vaccine appointments can be found through the state's vaccine connector at mn.gov/covid19/vaccine.

 

St. Louis County Public Health will hold vaccine clinics for children and families beginning later this month - offering first doses on Saturdays, November 13 and 20; and second doses on December 4 and 11. On each of those dates, these clinics will be held at the First United Methodist (Coppertop) Church in Duluth from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and at the Eveleth Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5-11 also will be offered at other St. Louis County Public Health clinics beginning the week of November 15. A parent or guardian must accompany the child to the clinic to sign a consent to be vaccinated form.

 

"It is such welcome news to at last have a COVID-19 vaccine approved for children ages 5-11," said Amy Westbrook, St. Louis County Public Health Division director. "The Pfizer vaccine has gone through thorough studies to assure that it’s safe and effective for kids.”

 

Vaccinating children provides them with the best protection against COVID-19, and will help curb community transmission. It also lessens the likelihood of disruptions to school and other activities due to quarantine. Fully vaccinated people who are exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19 do not have to quarantine unless they develop symptoms. As is the case with adults receiving a COVID-19 vaccine, children are considered fully vaccinated against the virus two weeks after receiving their second dose.

 

"We in Public Health have been slowly transitioning to our more traditional role as a safety net," Westbrook added. "Rather than serve as a primary administrator of the vaccine, as we've been since the vaccine became available, we will instead focus our efforts to ensure everyone has access to the vaccine."

 

Meanwhile, St. Louis County Public Health continues to offer booster doses of all three approved vaccines: Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. People eligible for boosters include: everyone age 65+; as well as anyone age 18+ who works or lives in a setting that puts them at high risk of exposure, or who has underlying medical conditions. Pfizer and Moderna boosters are recommended six months after the second dose was received. The Johnson & Johnson booster is recommended two months after the initial dose was received. Per the CDC's latest recommendation, people may choose to receive a different booster than the original vaccine they received. 

 

Vaccine appointments available through St. Louis County Public Health can be found online at stlouiscountymn.gov/vaccineregistration. The clinic schedule is updated weekly and the page also includes links to the state's vaccine connector where people can find other appointment options in their area.

 

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