County Backs COVID Vaccine for Kids 5-11 Years-Old

Kids ages 5 to 11 are now able to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in Alameda County, health officials said last Tuesday, making the drug available for free to every person, ages five and older, regardless of residency or immigration status.

In a statement released by the Alameda County Public Health Department, the agency said parents can start working with their health care providers or community clinics to schedule appointments for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA approved the drug last week and agree the benefits outweigh the risks of the disease.

Alameda County health officials said they will work with the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup on the findings of the CDC approval. The county launched its education and outreach programs last week with school and pediatric healthcare providers, and youth-serving organizations, letting parents know how children can access vaccines as quickly as possible.

“Understandably, parents and guardians of newly eligible children might have questions about the vaccine. I encourage them to talk to their child’s pediatrician or a trusted health care provider,” said Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Nicholas Moss. “When parents and guardians are ready, a vaccination appointment will be available for their child.”

The pediatric COVID-19 vaccine, which is one-third the dosage given to teens and adults and will arrive in different packaging, will be available through some providers immediately and will become available soon through others. Like adults, children ages 5-11 must get two shots at least three weeks apart to get the maximum protection from the vaccine. Written consent of a parent or guardian will be required at the time of appointment registration and the physical presence of a parent, guardian, or caregiver at the time of vaccination is required.

While nearly 85 percent of Alameda County residents older than 12 are fully vaccinated, health officials said the focus is on school-age children to avoid a case spike in winter. Only 75 percent of children 12-15 and over 78 percent of youth 16-17 are fully vaccinated, according to ACPHD data. 

“Over 17,000 residents under age 18 have contracted the virus that causes COVID-19 and, while cases and hospitalizations have decreased, we continue to see a higher case rate among unvaccinated residents as compared to vaccinated residents,” Dr. Moss said. 

To support areas with the lowest vaccination rates, County health and education officials said it will begin offering vaccination clinics on school sites. The County Office of Education said it would prioritize nine school districts with the lowest vaccination rates for stable clinics. It did not identify which districts would get the pop-up clinics first.

“We continue to improve access to vaccine whenever possible and meet eligible children and their families where they are, especially in our priority neighborhoods where COVID-19 has hit hardest,” a County Health Department spokesperson said.

Health officials recommend visiting MyTurn.CA.gov or Vaccines.gov to find clinics and pharmacies that are offering Pfizer and have open appointments for patients ages five and older.