This week’s authorization of Pfizer vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is a tremendous step forward for our community, and for supporting safe in-person learning in our schools. While San Juan Basin Public Health and partners get to work vaccinating young adolescents, it is worthwhile to take a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come in administering the lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines.
In La Plata County, 65% of the total population have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 61% are fully immunized. In Archuleta County, 57% of the total population have received at least one dose, and 54% are fully immunized. These rates are expected to increase in the coming weeks, with the new group of 5,000-plus adolescents now eligible to receive vaccine. In total, millions of people have safely received the COVID-19 vaccine across Colorado, and billions worldwide. Considering that no one had received COVID-19 vaccine just a year ago, we’ve come a long way in getting shots in arms to limit severe disease in our community.
Here is a summary of eligibility information and guidance, and we will continue to keep the community informed as the COVID-19 vaccine landscape evolves:
SJBPH is pleased to announce 5- to 11-year-olds are now eligible for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
The CDC voted unanimously to authorize the Pfizer vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds on Tuesday, citing a thorough review process for safety and efficacy.
SJBPH urges families to make appointments as soon as possible because it can take five or more weeks from the date of the first dose of Pfizer to reach full immunity.
Please check the SJBPH website for provider information or to find a pediatric Pfizer clinic and make an appointment: sjbpublichealth.org/covid-19-vaccine/.
Booster shots of all three COVID-19 vaccines are now available. Here is a summary of eligibility information – for more information, visit the SJBPH website: sjbpublichealth.org/covid-19-vaccine/.
People who originally received the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are eligible for a booster of any vaccine type if they are 65 years of age or older; a high-risk worker; living or working in an institutional setting; or are 18 years of age or older with an underlying health condition. These people must be at least six months from the completion of their two-dose Moderna or Pfizer vaccine series.
People who originally received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine are eligible for a booster of any vaccine type if they are 18 years of age or older. These people must be at least two months from the completion of their one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine.
The FDA and CDC now approve eligible individuals to “mix and match” and get a different vaccine type for their booster than the vaccine they originally received. The FDA and CDC have studied this approach thoroughly and deemed it to be safe and effective. Studies are ongoing as to which combination of vaccine types provides the highest level of antibodies and immunity, although early indications are that a booster of the mRNA vaccines (Moderna or Pfizer) may provide the highest antibody levels.
People who have not received a single dose of vaccine should get the lifesaving vaccine right away. Individuals ages 5 and older are eligible for vaccine. 5- to 17-year-olds are eligible for Pfizer vaccine only. People who have received just one dose and are overdue for a second are encouraged to finish their series as soon as possible. Please check the SJBPH website to find a clinic or provider: sjbpublichealth.org/covid-19-vaccine/.
Moderately to severely immunocompromised people continue to be eligible for a third dose of vaccine. For the immunocompromised who originally received Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, an additional dose should be administered at least four weeks after the second dose for individuals ages 12 and older.
For immunocompromised people who originally received Johnson & Johnson, eligibility is for ages 18 and older with an initial dose received two or more months ago.
Immunocompromised people are advised to seek the same mRNA vaccine they originally received. If the matching vaccine type is not available, immunocompromised individuals may receive the alternative mRNA vaccine.
Chandler Griffin is communications director for San Juan Basin Public Health.
