COVID-19 Update: Vaccines for 5 – 11 year olds gets approved by FDA

Alexandra Gonzalez November 3, 2021November 5, 2021 0 Comments covid-19, El Lenador, Humboldt County, Humboldt State, Humboldt State University

Vaccines for Youth 5 – 11 years old

The Humboldt County Joint Information Center has stated in an email to El Leñador that the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 is expected to be available soon in pediatricians offices, pharmacies and at Public Health clinics.

Humboldt County residents are encouraged to contact their child’s primary care provider with questions about the vaccines.

On Oct. 29, the FDA approved the Pfizer vaccine for emergency use in children ages 5-11 years old. An advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also unanimously recommended its use on Nov. 2.

According to the FDA, The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for children 5 through 11 years of age is administered as a two-dose series, three weeks apart. It is a lower dose than that used for individuals 12 years of age and older.

The CDC Director is expected to make a formal recommendation for the 5 -11 age group in the coming days, said the Joint Information Center.

Vaccines for children ages 12 and older are already available. For more information about vaccine mandates at schools, parents should contact the Humboldt County Office of Education.

Booster Vaccines

Booster vaccines are now available for community members. Residents who completed a two-dose series of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least six months ago are now eligible for a booster dose, according to the Humboldt County Joint Information Center.

Both the CDC and California Department of Public Health recommend booster shots for the following people:

people 65 years and older
residents in long-term care settings
people aged 50–64 years with certain underlying medical conditions
people aged 18–49 years with certain underlying medical conditions may receive a booster, based on their individual benefits and risks
people aged 18-64 years who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional, based on their individual benefits and risks.

Which Booster Vaccine?

The Humboldt County Joint Information Center recommends that residents who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago should receive a booster dose of Pfizer or Moderna.

COVID-19 and flu vaccines may be administered at the same appointment if both are available, according to the Joint Information Center. Side effects from booster shots are similar to those reported following first and second doses, primarily soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site, and some may also experience a fever, headache, nausea or fatigue.

Where and How to Get a Vaccine

Booster vaccines are available at all Public Health vaccination clinics and pharmacies in Humboldt. Most pharmacies allow walk-ins, but it is recommended to call ahead to confirm.

Once the vaccine is authorized for children ages 5 -11, appointments will be available at myturn.ca.gov.

Appointments for people ages 12 and up are available at www.myturn.ca.gov.

The CDC offers a program where people can text their ZIP code to 438829 to check availability at participating pharmacies. For more information about vaccines visit www.vaccines.gov.