Updated: Illinois health agency recommends COVID booster for some kids. Here are details
The Illinois Department of Public Health is adopting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation for those aged 12-15 years to get a booster dose five months after receiving the second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
“We know that COVID-19 vaccine booster doses can help provide ongoing protection against the Omicron variant,” IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said. “Following the CDC’s recommendation, booster doses are encouraged for those aged 12-15 years who received their second dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine five months ago.”
St. Clair County Health Department Director Myla Blandford strongly supported the decision.
“We strongly encourage individuals to become fully vaccinated and to receive a booster when they are eligible,” she said. “It is the most effective way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization due to COVID.”
Blandford added the health department offers vaccines from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 330 West Main, Belleville. Appointments are not required, but people can set them on the health department’s website — www.co.st-clair.il.us/departments/health-department — or by calling 618-825-4447 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.
All three vaccines — Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Moderna — are offered there for anyone 12 and older. Additional vaccination options are listed on the health department’s website and social media.
On Jan. 3, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and expanded it to include a single booster dose for individuals 12-15 years.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices reviewed the available safety data following the administration of more than 25 million vaccine doses in adolescents and concluded COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, according to the IDHP.
At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for adolescents aged 12-15.
To find vaccination locations, go to vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233.
This story was originally published January 6, 2022 at 11:25 AM.