App users, tap here to watch video report.
MAYVILLE – Health leaders in Chautauqua County are looking to schools in kicking off their efforts to vaccinate youth against COIVD-19.
This after New York’s Vaccine Advisory Task Force recommended approving Pfizer’s vaccine for children between the ages of 12 and 15 late Wednesday. The state’s governor quickly approved authorization for that administration following the announcement.
Chautauqua County Health Director Christine Schuyler tells WNY News Now there are several options for getting the age group immunized, ranging from the already ongoing county run vaccine sites to local schools as well.
“It is a good day for our kids,” explained Schuyler. “The Pfizer vaccine has been given to hundreds of millions of people, this is the same vaccine that the adults have been getting, so there has been a lot of homework done to make sure that his vaccine is safe and effective.”
She says parents do not have to be present for the vaccination, however the youth must be accompanied by an adult and have a note authorizing consent.
“If someone other than the parent is going to accompany the child, such as a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or some other adult, then the parents can sign a note saying that they give permission for their child to get vaccinated,” said Schuyler.
In the next week the Health Director will be working with local districts in setting up clinics directly in school buildings, but says if parents show interest, they can start the process now.
“If parents do have an interest in advocating for their school to have an on-site vaccination clinic, I think it would be best for them to contact school administration and suggest that to them,” said Schuyler. “We are working with the school superintendents and school nurses in setting up plans for on site clinics.”
CVS and Walgreens Pharmacies are also among sites where children ages 12 to 15 can start getting vaccinated locally. To learn more about vaccine availability, visit CHQGov.com.
Leave a Reply