Now all children, down to six months old, are able to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines on June 19th. Mesa County Public Health ordered Moderna and Pfizer vaccine in anticipation of this approval. Clinical trials and ongoing safety monitoring ensure that the vaccine is safe and effective for this age group. Vaccination provides protection from the most severe outcomes of COVID-19 like hospitalization and death.
COVID-19 continues to circulate in Mesa County and is now becoming endemic, like influenza. Unvaccinated individuals continue to dominate the reported new cases. From May 1 to June 20, slightly over 92% of new cases were in unvaccinated individuals. Fifteen-percent of children ages infant through four years old have had COVID-19. This population is estimated to be 4.5% of Mesa County’s population. When considering unreported cases, 60% to 70% of this age group has no immunity. This approval means that more of the community can receive protection.
The community will be notified when the vaccine for this age group arrives. Families can call Mesa County Public Health and schedule an appointment. MCPH has a team of experts who work with this age group every day and create an environment that is good for the child and the parent. Visit the COVID-19 Vaccine webpage for more information.