The COVID-19 vaccination has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for children ages 6 months to 5 years old.
It is recommended that children five years and older receive the COVID-19 booster. The Pfizer booster is available for people five years old and older, and the Moderna booster is available for people 18 years old and older. The dosage and timeframe for full vaccinations in this age group is different than vaccinations for older age groups. As always, be sure to talk with your child’s pediatrician or primary care physician (PCP) if you have questions and want to discuss any concerns. The importance of these boosters is that they address and add protection to cover Omicron variants. The boosters have added proteins to protect against Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, the most recent variants and newer strains of COVID-19.
New guidance from the CDC released in August shares updates on when and how long to quarantine or isolate if you test positive for COVID-19 and what to do if you or your child has been exposed to COVID-19. The guidance took into consideration everything that has been learned about COVID-19, what’s worked and what did not, and the steps necessary to reduce the risk of severe illness. You can contact your PCP, your child’s pediatrician, your local health department, or local pharmacy if you have questions or need more information on what, when, where, and how to get your first, second, or booster vaccinations.
At home COVID-19 vaccinations are still available for Georgia residents who are currently sick or homebound due to an ongoing physical or mental disability. Email HVS@dph.ga.gov or call (888) 572-0112 to request an at-home vaccination. You will need to give the following information for the person requiring the at-home vaccination:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Address
- City
- County
- Contact phone number
As we move forward and continue to learn how to live life with COVID-19 and other viruses during cold and flu season, we can give ourselves and our children of all ages a boost. You can boost your immune system by:
- Drinking plenty of water
- Getting restful sleep at night
- Eating healthy meals with fruits and vegetables
- Taking the recommended daily dose of vitamin C
- Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations and boosters
- Washing hands often with soap and water
Locations for Vaccination and Boosters
For children, connect with your child’s pediatrician or primary care physician to schedule an appointment for vaccination. For adults, connect with your primary care physician or medical home to schedule an appointment for your vaccination or booster. Vaccinations are still being provided free of charge. If you don’t have a primary care physician or medical home, you can contact your local health department or go to www.vaccines.gov to find a place to get the shot near you.
As we continue to live through the COVID-19 pandemic and follow guidance on when the Public Health Emergency statute will end, your concerns, quality of life, and vote in the upcoming elections matter.
Remember: People may be over covid, but covid is not over!