Solano expands eligibility for Pfizer booster doses to ages 5-11

The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health Division, in accordance with state and national guidance, is expanding the Pfizer COVID-19 booster doses to children ages 5 to 11.

The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup unanimously concluded that a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective for ages 5-11, following the Emergency Use Authorization from the United States Food and Drug Administration and the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Parents interested in getting their child vaccinated are encouraged to reach out to their provider to schedule well-child visits and get the COVID-19 booster, along with the recommended childhood immunizations. “Getting a booster dose for COVID-19 provides an extra layer of protection to keep your child safe and healthy,” said Bela T. Matyas, M.D., M.P.H., Solano County Health Officer, in a news release. “We encourage parents to schedule routine visits with their child's healthcare provider to get their child's immunizations up to date and prepare them for the following school year.”

Solano County has seen a significant decline in well-child visits and immunizations during the pandemic. The “Bee-wise, Immunize!” campaign, a collaborative effort with Solano County, First 5 Solano, Partnership HealthPlan, Childstart, and Solano County school districts, encourages families to get up to date on routine visits and vaccinations with their child's primary care provider or community clinic. For help finding a primary care provider or getting health insurance, call Help Me Grow Solano at (844) 501-5437 or visit helpmegrowsolano.org.

In addition to getting up to date with wellchild visits and immunizations, children are required by California law to undergo the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) by May 31 in either kindergarten or first grade, whichever is their first year in public school. The KOHA is an important tool to keep children in school, as poor oral health can affect attendance, grades and overall performance in school.

“Children who are having tooth pain may potentially struggle in school or miss school and end up in the emergency room,” says Tracy Nachand, Oral Health Project Director for Solano Public Health, in a news release. “It is important to incorporate dental visits as a preventive routine in the life of children to adulthood.”