COVID education and safety for children
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
The development of the COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 18 and up was a huge step towards ending the pandemic. One vaccine is also currently approved for youth ages 12-17. Do adolescents need to be vaccinated against COVID-19? We understand that you may have some questions. We are here to help!
Why Youth Vaccines are Important
As we emerge from the pandemic, many places are reopening and people are mixing together more. Every day more people are getting vaccinated but coronavirus is still spreading in our communities. The rate of COVID-19 in children is lower than the rate in adults. However, youth can still be infected with COVID-19. They can develop symptoms and spread COVID-19 to others.
- In the United States, there have been over 22 million COVID-19 cases among children 5-17 years of age.
- 61% of youth hospitalized with COVID-19 have one or more underlying medical conditions, most commonly obesity and asthma.
- COVID-19 is currently among the top 10 causes of death for 12-17 years olds
- Studies show that living with a child who attends in-person school increases the odds of COVID-19 for the entire household compared to children not in attendance of in-person school.
Vaccines can help! Protecting adolescents ages 12-17 with a COVID-19 vaccine can keep them safe. It can also help keep businesses and schools open – allowing life to return to normal. Getting vaccinated ensures the health and wellness of yourself, your family, and your community.
The CDC recommends everyone over the age of 12 received a COVID-19 vaccination. To read more about the CDC’s recommendation, click HERE.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Youth
All of the approved COVID-19 vaccines have been studied and developed under the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. This has included the vaccine studies with youth. Only the Pfizer vaccine is currently approved to be administered to youth as young as age 12. The Pfizer clinical trials showed that their vaccine was both safe and effective for adolescents and adults.
Moderna recently completed their adolescent study and has submitted a request for their vaccine to also be approved for youth age 12-17, currently it is approved for ages 18 and over. Johnson & Johnson is currently studying their vaccine in adolescents.
Where Can Youth Get a COVID-19 Vaccine?
The Pfizer Vaccine (the only vaccine currently approved for ages 12-17) is widely available at most area pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid and Safeway. To find a full list of vaccine locations please visit myturn.ca.gov.
Chapa-De will host special youth vaccine clinics from July 26th through August 20th to help families prepare for the coming school year. At these clinics, adolescents can get a COVID-19 vaccine and any other routine childhood vaccinations needed.
- In Auburn, these will be offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM – 4 PM. Call (530) 887-2800 to schedule an appointment.
- In Grass Valley, these will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 AM – 4 PM. Call (530) 477-8545 to schedule an appointment.
How can we protect children under age 12?
Clinical studies are underway testing vaccines for children 6-months to age 11. None are currently approved for use in this age group.
Getting adults and adolescents over age 12 vaccinated is the best way to protect younger children. This also protects other vulnerable family members and friends, such as those with compromised immune systems whose vaccines will not be as effective due to their health conditions.
COVID-19 vaccines are available daily at Chapa-De for patients age 18 and older. Patients can receive a vaccine with no appointment necessary Monday through Friday during the following hours:
To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines at Chapa-De, click HERE.
For more information, call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2800 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
CDC.gov
myturn.ca.gov
PASSIONATE PEOPLE. COMPASSIONATE CARE.
Chapa-De provides medical care, dental care, optometry, behavioral health, pharmacy services and much more.
Serving all American Indian, Low Income and Limited Income Community Members
