Pomperaug Department of Health to vaccinate kids 12-15
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to officially authorize the use of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for kids aged 12 to 15 next week, and that will have an impact on vaccination clinics nationally, including the Pomperaug District Department of Health in Southbury.
A week ago, it was reported that the PDDH was down to its last four scheduled vaccination clinics with two last Friday and Saturday and two in mid-May. With vaccination availability expanding statewide in places like CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens and the Danbury Fair mall, PDDH health director Neal Lustig said it was time for his department to end clinics and focus on other health needs and services.
But now, Lustig said with approval expected soon for 12-15 year-old vaccinations, there will be some adjustments to the remaining two scheduled clinics and at least two more clinics added.
“I think it’s great news that we are going to get vaccination approval for the younger kids,” Lustig said. “They certainly need it. We have seen that younger age group, the 12-15 and 16-18 year olds, spiking recently with cases growing. Kids have been missing school due to rising COVID-19 cases and quarrantining, with rising cases even impacting high school sports teams.”
Heading into this week, Pomperaug District Department of Health had no more first-dose clinics scheduled. The two remaining vaccination clinics scheduled were second-dose vaccinations for the 16 to 18 year-old age group at Pomperaug High on May 14 and Oxford High on May 18.
This will mean two more clinics will be needed at the high schools about three weeks after the May 14 and May 18 doses are given so the younger kids can get their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine (dates to be determined).
The Pomperaug District Department of Health, based in Southbury, serves Southbury, Oxford and Woodbury.
“Appointments are still needed to get the vaccine,” Lustig said. “Appointments will be taken for the 12-15 year-olds once they have official approval for the vaccine.
“We have the staff and volunteers to vaccinate all the kids and do it quickly. The Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for the young kids and we have plenty of that vaccine to accommodate everyone.”
Lustig also cited a recent survey done by Region 15 school administrators, which he thought was interesting. Region 15 serves Southbury and Middlebury.
There were 467 parents who participated in the survey and one of the three questions was would you commit to giving your 12-15 year-olds the vaccine? According to Lustig, 79 percent said they would give the vaccine to their kids.
“That response really surprised me,” Lustig said. “That 79 percent represents a strong commitment to get their kids vaccinated.”
For more information, you can go to the Pomperaug District Department of Health website at https:// www.pddh.org.