Health dept. begins vaccines to children

Following the CDC’s official recommendations, the Madera County Department of Public Health has started administering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to the 5-11 age group at the Madera County Social Services and Public Health Campus. Appointments can be made online at MyTurn.ca.gov or over the phone by calling 3-1-1.

In Madera County, 16,719 additional children are now eligible for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, 47.7 percent of eligible residents, including those 5-11, are fully vaccinated from COVID-19. MCDPH is excited to start vaccinating this age group and build more immunity in the county.

“While most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, they can still spread the disease to others. It is important to get young people vaccinated to prevent more hospitalizations and deaths,” said Madera County Health Officer, Dr. Simon Paul.

Children in the 5-11 age group will be receiving a one-third dose of the adult-sized vaccine. The clinical trials found that children had similar or fewer temporary side effects of the vaccine than adults.

The Madera County Social Services and Public Health Clinic is located at 1620 Sunrise Ave. in Madera and is open Tuesday–Friday, from noon-7 p.m., and Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information about MCDPH’s COVID-19 vaccine clinics visit MaderaCounty.com/COVID19Vaccine.