Contra Costa County is now vaccinating children 12 to 15 years old against COVID-19.
All county-run health clinics are offering the Pfizer vaccine free to both walk-ins and those making appointments. It’s not necessary to be a Contra Costa County resident.
The Pfizer vaccine is the only one approved for the 12-17 age group. The other two COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. — Moderna and Johnson & Johnson — have only been approved for adults.
“This is a big day for parents and kids who have been eager to get vaccinated against COVID,” Diane Burgis, the chairperson of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, said in a statement. “We are looking forward to many households in Contra Costa County where all the adults and children are fully vaccinated.”
The county health department announced earlier this week it will partner with the Contra Costa County Office of Education and Kaiser Permanente to open vaccination clinics at various county middle and high schools. More details will be announced in the next few days.
“Every student who receives a vaccine is a hero, who protects themselves, and their family, teachers and friends,” said Lynn Mackey, Contra Costa County’s Superintendent of Schools. “We appreciate the school superintendents and principals across the county who are stepping up to host vaccine clinics on their campuses. Easy access matters to high vaccine rates and to healthy communities.”
Nearly 700,000 Contra Costa residents 16 and over have received one vaccine dose. About 65,000 county residents are between 12 and 15.
Health officials say minors should be accompanied by adults when being vaccinated. If not, guardians should provide written permission. In some cases, permission can be obtained by phone. Consent forms are available at cchealth.org.
Appointments can still be made at covidvaccine.cchealth.org or by calling (833) 829-2626. The state also offers appointments at myturn.ca.gov.