San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) invites parents and caregivers to a question and answer session reviewing COVID-19 vaccination for children this Friday, November 19, from 4:30pm to 5:30pm at the Ruby M. Sisson Memorial Library, 811 San Juan St, Pagosa Springs.
SJBPH personnel will be joined by Dr. Amber Reiss-Holt to address questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, including safety, development, side effects, and other topics.
“Many parents and caregivers want to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine for children. We invite parents to take advantage of this opportunity to have questions answered by a physician and public health experts. Our goal is to help parents make an informed decision about vaccination for their child,” stated Liane Jollon, Executive Director of SJBPH.
As of November 2, 2021, children who are 5 years or older are eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. This is an important step in our fight against COVID-19. Though rare, children with COVID-19 are still at risk for severe illness and hospitalization, and some may even have long-term health repercussions following infection. Children 5-17 are eligible for only the Pfizer vaccine at this time.
Transmission rates across Colorado are currently classified as “high”, including in Archuleta and La Plata counties. Archuleta County has seen a 104% increase in transmission rates and 106 new cases of COVID-19 in the last seven days. Over the last 30 days, children ages 18 and younger have accounted for 19% of new COVID-19 cases.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has urged COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible children without health contraindications. COVID-19 vaccination is an essential tool to protect local families, and to keep children in school and out of quarantine.
Community members are urged to join this event or speak with their child’s primary care provider to discuss any questions regarding COVID-19 vaccination for children.
To learn more about this event, contact the SJBPH COVID-19 Equity Outreach Coordinator at 970.264.2409 ext 3016.
For more information about COVID-19 vaccines for adults and children, or booster doses for adults, visit https://sjbpublichealth.org/COVID-19-vaccine/.