FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CDC Approves Booster Dose for Children 5 and Older
Steady increase in cases across the US leads to additional recommended precautions
Media Contact: Mike Bordogna, County Manager, 970.728.3844, mikeb@sanmiguelcountyco.gov
Lindsey Mills, Public Information Consultant, lindseym@sanmiguelcountyco.gov
(May 20, 2022) – San Miguel County, CO --- Yesterday, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved a third dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 years old five months after their initial vaccination series. The announcement came after CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend a third dose of the Pfizer vaccine for this age group. This past Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized this third dose for children to help prevent COVID-19 transmission as cases are increasing throughout the country.
Additionally, CDC strengthened its recommendation that those 12 years of age and older who are immunocompromised and those 50 years of age and older should receive a fourth dose at least 4 months after their third dose to boost immune response.
“Over the past month we have seen steady increases in cases, with a steep and substantial increase in hospitalizations for older Americans,” said the CDC in a media release. “While older Americans have the highest coverage of any age group of first booster doses, most older Americans received their last dose (either their primary series or their first booster dose) many months ago, leaving many who are vulnerable without the protection they may need to prevent severe disease, hospitalization, and death.”
To learn more about recommended booster doses for other authorized vaccines, visit the CDC website.
San Miguel County Public Health (SMCPH) will continue to offer vaccine clinics with access to both Pfizer and Moderna doses every other Tuesday in Telluride including upcoming clinics on Tuesday, May 24 and Tuesday, June 7. Registration is available on the County COVID Webpage, bit.ly/smcvaccine for English and bit.ly/smcvacuna for Spanish. Walk-ins are also welcome without appointment. Vaccines are completely free and do not require proof of identity.
Power The Comeback:
- Crowded places, covered faces
- Get vaccinated
- Stay home when sick and get tested
For coronavirus vaccine information, visit: bit.ly/smcvaccineinfo
For coronavirus testing information, visit: bit.ly/smccovidtesting
For up-to-date coronavirus information, visit: https://www.sanmiguelcountyco.gov/coronavirus
To sign up for the county newsletter, visit: https://mailchi.mp/sanmiguelcountyco/smc-co-newsletter
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