TOMPKINS COUNTY, NY.—The Tompkins County Health Department is making COVID-19 booster vaccines available following the Centers for Disease Control’s authorization for the 5- to 11-year-old population.
The Pfizer booster is recommended for at least five months following the initial two-dose vaccine series, and local pharmacies can be contacted for more information on availability.
Consent forms signed by parents and guardians will be required for individuals receiving a booster vaccine who are under 18-years-old.
“The COVID-19 Vaccine booster will extend protection for children ages 5 and up, and we know that the vaccine and its boosters are effective and safe. If you or your children are not yet vaccinated, now is the time to get vaccinated or get boosted. While children do not often have severe illness from COVID-19, there has been increased illness and increased hospitalizations of youth from the omicron variant,” Frank Kruppa, Public Health Director, said.