WARY OF THE VACCINE? Local health officials are encouraging parents to do their research for their children and make the best decision for their families based on their health history and health needs. The FDA recently approved emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged five through 11. (Photo via Unsplash)

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 through 11 after rigorous evaluation of data, and the Eau Claire City-County Health Department encourages families to consider vaccinating their children. 

“Anyone who can get vaccinated, including kids, lowers their chance of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 and spreading it to others,” said Lieske Giese, director of the health department, in a press release. “Safety is a top priority, and there have been several steps in the process to make sure that this vaccine is safe for children.”

If a child contracts COVID-19, they often experience long-term symptoms such as dizziness, tiredness, and loss of taste or smell for several months, according to the health department. Although children are at a low risk to contract the virus, the vaccine decreases the risk of long-term symptoms. Vaccination also encourages herd immunity and protects younger children or those who cannot receive the vaccine. Fully vaccinated children (defined as children who have waited a two-week period following the second Pfizer dose) will not need to quarantine if they come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, according to the health department. 

A regional community vaccination site at Jacob’s Well in Lake Hallie has expanded their hours of operation to offer vaccines of all types, including Pfizer for 5 to 11 year olds, for free – no proof of insurance, ID, or proof of citizenship required. 

Parents are encouraged to call a family doctor to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and how to set up an appointment. You can also search for vaccine providers at www.vaccines.gov, text your zip code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233. To see who is eligible for COVID-19 booster vaccines, visit here. For more information on vaccines for children, visit here.