While COVID-19 still continues to be a threat in our communities, vaccinations are widely available to everyone, and now the CDC is recommending the vaccination for children who are six months or older, according to recent guidelines published in June.
“I encourage parents and caregivers with questions to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated,” said Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky, CDC director in a press release.
Vaccination Rates Among Children
According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), 27,260 children ages 0-4 have received at least the first round of their COVID-19 vaccination series in Lucas County. ODH places vaccination status into seven age groups: 0-4 years old, 5-11, 12-17, 18-29, 30-59, 60-79, and 80+. You can view all the vaccination numbers by clicking here.
“The uptake of the COVID vaccine has been slower than other age groups. We strongly encourage parents to consider getting their kids vaccinated to prevent serious illnesses,” said Shannon Jones, MBA, MPH, public information officer for the Toledo Lucas County Health Department.
The CDC reminds parents who may be reluctant to get their children vaccinated that the dosage is based on age on the day of vaccination, not on your child’s size or weight. Children also get a smaller dose of the vaccine than teens and adults.
“I have confidence in these vaccines’ ability to significantly and safely reduce the risk of serious harm from COVID-19 for our littlest ones—and that’s why I’m planning to get my son vaccinated as soon as possible, with either regimen that’s available,” said Devika Bhushan, MD, FAAP to healthychildren.org. Dr. Bhushan is a pediatrician in San Francisco, CA. “The good news is that vaccination in our littlest ones, just like for older kids and adults, is likely to prevent serious infection, complications, and death related to COVID-19,” she added.
As of Sept. 19, 2022, Lucas County has recorded 115,747 total COVID-19 cases since Nov. 1, 2020 and 39,576 confirmed deaths. 18,304 (3 percent) of those cases were among children ages 0-4 years old.
Getting Your Child Vaccinated
If your child hasn’t gotten their COVID-19 vaccination and you would like to get it scheduled, you should speak to your pediatrician. The Toledo Lucas County Health Department also offers walk-in vaccine clinics Monday-Friday. You can learn more by visiting their website here. For children ages 5-11, visit gettheshot.coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-427-5634.
