COVID-19 Vaccinations Expanded to Include Youth Ages 12 to 15 in Santa Clara County

Ricardo Sierra receives his Johnson & Johnson Covid19 vaccine administered by pharmacist Michelle Hormozia on May 7, 2021 in Los Angeles, California, at a vaccination clinic setup by Los Angeles Football Club, partnering with the LA county Department of Public Health and USC Pharmacy, where those vaccinated were due to receive a 20% discount on merchandise at the LAFC team store. - LA County public health officials are concerned about the considerable drop in countywide vaccination rates despite easier access for the free vaccine being offered with more no-appointment and walk-in vaccine clinics branching out to specific and targeted communities. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Ricardo Sierra receives his Johnson & Johnson Covid19 vaccine administered by pharmacist Michelle Hormozia on May 7, 2021 in Los Angeles, California, at a vaccination clinic setup by Los Angeles Football Club, partnering with the LA county Department of Public Health and USC Pharmacy, where those vaccinated were due to receive a 20% discount on merchandise at the LAFC team store. - LA County public health officials are concerned about the considerable drop in countywide vaccination rates despite easier access for the free vaccine being offered with more no-appointment and walk-in vaccine clinics branching out to specific and targeted communities. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

India Post News Service

Santa Clara County, CA – County officials announced that COVID-19 vaccination is now available for youth ages 12 to 15, effective immediately. Appointments can be scheduled now through the County’s website sccfreevax.org, which also includes information about numerous drop-in vaccination sites throughout the county. This expansion of eligibility follows the CDC Director’s adoption of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation endorsing the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine for youth ages 12 to 15.

Dr. Sara Cody, Health Officer and Director of Public Health for the County of Santa Clara
Dr. Sara Cody, Health Officer and Director of Public Health for the County of Santa Clara

All County Health System mass vaccination sites and all general community-based mobile sites will be able to accommodate the newly approved age group. “This is fantastic news,” said Dr. Sara Cody, Health Officer and Director of Public Health for the County of Santa Clara. “The Pfizer vaccine is safe and effective, and I’m thrilled that more of our young people can now get vaccinated to protect themselves, protect their community, and safely return to more activities.”

Youth between 12 to 17-years old need to provide a signed consent form from a parent or legal guardian. For County-operated sites, the consent form is available online. “Our system stands ready to welcome newly eligible youth for their vaccinations,” said Dr. Jennifer Tong, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. “Wherever you live in the county, we have a site nearby, and we’ve expanded evening and weekend hours.” 

The County will continue its expansive efforts to ensure equitable access to vaccine for those communities hardest hit by COVID-19. The County is partnering with schools and other community organizations to site drop-in vaccination clinics in communities that have experienced disproportionately high rates of COVID-19 cases, and the County’s robust outreach efforts will continue with this expansion of eligibility. For the latest information about COVID-19 vaccinations in Santa Clara County, visit sccfreevax.org.

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