Newsletter from the Coastal Health District (June 18, 2021)

The following information is courtesy of the Georgia Department of Public Health Coastal Health District

 

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Weekly Update for 6.18.21

Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 and Adolescents

The COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer is authorized for children as young as age 12, and Moderna has applied for authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine in young adolescents as well. But many parents still have questions about vaccination for their pre-teen and teenager.

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers from the Department of Health and Human Services about COVID-19 and adolescents.

Kids aren’t getting severely ill from COVID-19, so why should I or my child get vaccinated?

  • Even if you don’t get severely ill, you can still spread the virus to someone who might – like a grandparent, someone at church, a teacher at school, or anyone in your community.
  • We are also learning more about the long-term effects of COVID-19. Even if you don’t get severely ill right now, or even have serious symptoms, you still could have long-term damage that causes health problems down the road.

Why is only Pfizer available for teens?

  • So far, only Pfizer has applied and been approved to make their vaccine available to people as young as 12.
  • On June 10th Moderna applied and is currently under review for their vaccine to be available to people as young as 12.

How do we know this vaccine is safe for kids and teens?

  • The vaccine has been through rigorous testing and thorough review by the FDA and CDC. Thousands of adolescents between 12-15 were in the clinical trials, and among those who received it, the vaccine was 100% effective at preventing COVID.

Can my child get other vaccines at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine?

  • Yes. COVID-19 vaccines may be given without regard to timing of other vaccines, including other vaccines given on the same day.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine have any long-term impacts on pregnant women?

  • Based on how these vaccines work in the body, experts believe they are unlikely to pose a risk for people who are pregnant. The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines are mRNA vaccines that do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 and therefore, cannot give someone COVID-19. Additionally, mRNA vaccines do not interact with a person’s DNA or cause genetic changes because the mRNA does not enter the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept.

Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine while I’m on my period (or when my child is on their period)?

  • According to the CDC and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), there’s no reason to put off getting vaccinated if someone is on their period. The CDC and FDA have been closely monitoring safety data and has not seen any patterns of concern.

Get more information about COVID-19 vaccines and adolescents on the website of the Centers for Disease Control. 

 

Mobile Clinics in the Coastal Health District

The Coastal Health District and CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) have several mobile vaccination clinics scheduled in the coming weeks.

These pop-up vaccination clinics are open to anyone age 12 and older, and there is no cost for vaccine. You can pre-register for an appointment, but walk-ups are also welcome.

  • Conquest Insurance
  • 1024 US Hwy 80, #117, Pooler
    Saturday, June 19, 10a - 3p
  • Connor's Temple Baptist Church
    509 W. Gwinnett St., Savannah
    Sunday, June 20, 11a-1p
  • St. Marys First Presbyterian Church
    100 Conyers St West., St. Marys
    Wednesday, June 23, 10a-1p
  • MedBank
    836 E. 65th St., Suite #12
    Saturday, June 26, 1 - 4p    
  • Beach Week - Jekyll
    Ocean View Trail, Jekyll Island
    Monday, June 28, 10a-3p
  • Beach Week - SSI
    4202 1st Street, St. Simons Island
    Tuesday, June 29, 10a-3p
  • Overcoming By Faith
    9700 Middleground Rd., Savannah
    Friday, July 2, 1-6p
  • St. Marys Independence Day Festival
    111 Osborne Street, St. Marys
    Saturday, July 3, 9a-5p
More Info about Mobile Vaccine Clinics
 

Your Vaccine Story

"I was vaccinated back in mid December on the first day we were eligible. My husband works for our hospital and was vaccinated a week after me. We have a daughter with special needs and both felt it was very important to be vaccinated to protect her. She was also vaccinated once she was eligible along with my other daughter in college. We plan on vaccinating our 12 year old daughter now that she is eligible also. We trust the science, and since both my husband and I work in healthcare, we feel we have to set the example for our family and community."

- Donna R., Brunswick

Tell us your vaccine story!

If you've received the COVID-19 vaccine, why was that the right choice for you? We'd like to hear your COVID-19 vaccine story. We may share it here and at YourVaccineStory.com to help inform and inspire others. 

Click the button below and tell us Your Vaccine Story! 

Share Your Vaccine Story
 

COVID-19 Vaccines: How Do We Know They Are Safe?

Are you wondering how COVID-19 vaccines were developed so quickly compared with other vaccines? In this video, you’ll learn how vaccine development met the highest standards of safety while using both new science and a century of vaccine experience. You’ll also find out how large COVID vaccine clinical trials allowed us to quickly analyze data to make sure the vaccines are safe and effective. 
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This article was originally published by The Landings Association on their website.

Visit landings.org to read the original article.
https://landings.org/news/2021/06/18/newsletter-coastal-health-district-june-18-2021