COVID-19 vaccination of the 5-11 year old age group is underway in Tompkins County and across the State. Based on the NYS Department of Health demographic vaccination data dashboard, the state-wide rate of vaccination for this age group is 9.9%. In Tompkins County, the rate of vaccination for children 5-11 years old is 41.1%.
Frank Kruppa, Public Health Director stated, “These numbers are a testament to the commitment of our community to end this pandemic and return us to normalcy, especially for our young children. We are leading the state with 41% of our children in this age group vaccinated. I encourage families to get their children vaccinated at our clinic tomorrow or contact your healthcare practitioner or local pharmacy. The second dose clinic at the mall will have children fully vaccinated by the December holidays.”
A vaccination clinic for children ages 5-11 years old will take place on Friday, November 19 from 12:00pm – 7:00pm at the Ithaca Mall Vaccination Site (40 Catherwood Road, Ithaca). Walk-ins are welcome and an appointment is not necessary. Appointments are required to obtain free bus transportation to and from clinic with TCAT.
The registration link for this week’s clinic is below and available on the Tompkins County Health Department website:
Friday, November 19th, 5-11 years old ONLY
SECOND DOSE CLINIC FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10
Please note for the youth vaccination clinic:
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The vaccine is free of charge.
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Walk-ins are welcome, appointments are not required.
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A parent or guardian needs to be present at the time of vaccination.
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Expect to wait 15 minutes for observation following injection.
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Parents or guardians/caregivers will need to sign a consent form for those under the age of 18.
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Free public transportation is available on TCAT buses to and from any vaccination clinic in Tompkins County. To ride free of charge, riders are asked to download, save and/or print notice of appointment confirmation. Riders should then show the verification notice, either in print form or via mobile device, to the TCAT driver when boarding. See TCAT routes, timetables and maps here: https://tcatbus.com/bus-schedules.
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Individuals without computer and/or internet access may also call 2-1-1 (877-211-8667) during regular business hours 8:30am-5:00pm and a representative can register them over the phone.
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It is recommended that the second dose of Pfizer be given three to four weeks after the first dose. Second dose clinics will be scheduled by TCHD at the first dose clinic, and reminders will be sent through the New York State vaccination registration system.
Additional information about youth vaccination:
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Children can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at alternate locations including local pharmacies and medical offices.
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For families of children who have special needs, other medical conditions, or may be uncomfortable at the mass vaccination site, please reach out directly to the child’s healthcare practitioner for a plan to get the child vaccinated.
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A recording of the COVID-19 Town Hall from Monday, November 8 is available on You Tube. Guests included Dr. Jeffrey Snedeker, physician at Northeast Pediatrics, and Rachel Buckwalter, Senior Community Health Nurse at TCHD.
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Additional information about the Pfizer vaccine for ages 5-11 can be found on the TCHD website’s vaccine FAQ page.
Booster doses continue to be available for eligible populations. Please contact your primary care provider or local pharmacy.
The Tompkins County Health Department is your partner for a healthy community. Find us online at TompkinsCountyNY.gov/health and follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/TompkinsPublicHealth and on Twitter at @TompkinsHealth. Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates or other county announcements via email or text.
