October 19, 2021

Dear Parent/Guardian,

We expect the Pfizer COVID vaccine to be authorized under Emergency Use for the 5-11 year old population in the coming weeks. Initial allocations will be shipped to the health departments, and we will be administering the vaccine as well as redistributing it to our local pharmacy and pediatric/family medicine partners for administration.

 

SARS CoV-2 has infected approximately 166,000 people and hospitalized approximately 1,150 people between the ages of 0-19 statewide. In our southwest districts, we have seen the following numbers: Cumberland Plateau (2,300 infections/9 hospitalizations); Lenowisco (2,400/11); Mt. Rogers (4,700/21) and New River (4,900/5). We have had one death in the 0-19 age group in the southwest. There have been 15 deaths statewide in that age group. 

 

Public health will always promote prevention over infection; and we have a safe, effective vaccine to prevent SARS CoV-2 infection. While the vaccine is not perfect, it does prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death very well.  Unvaccinated adolescents are 10 times more likely to be hospitalized than vaccinated ones. Significant side effects from the vaccine are uncommon and will occur in the first 8 weeks after vaccination; side effects from SARS CoV-2  infection can present months to over a year later. While the infection is low risk to most young, healthy children, it’s not zero risk. When there is more disease circulating, the risk of children becoming infected is higher, and that increases their risk of adverse outcomes. We encourage anyone with questions or concerns to speak with their pediatrician/family physician or the health department.

 

We are trying to gauge intent to vaccinate this age group. Please click on this link to be directed to an electronic survey or answer the questions on the following page and submit the form to your child(ren)’s school as soon as possible.

 

Thank you for you continued cooperation as we navigate these most challenging times.

 

Sincerely,
Noelle S. Bissell MD
Director, New River Health District
Acting Director, Mt. Rogers/ Cumberland Plateau/ Lenowisco Health Districts