CDC Recommends COVID-19 Booster for Children 5 to 11 Years and Strengthens Recommendations
On May 19, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendation that children 5 to 11 years old should receive a COVID-19 booster five months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine series.
Based on data reviewed by ACIP from other age groups, COVID-19 vaccine boosters have been shown to increase protection against all outcomes in those aged 12 years and older and that it is likely that children 5-11 years would benefit from a COVID-19 booster dose. Providing a booster dose can increase protection from waning immunity resulting in reduction of COVID-19 infection and severe disease among children 5 to 11 years. Additionally for each age, myocarditis after booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines is lower than after 2nd dose in primary series. As cases have been increasing across West Virginia, a booster dose will safely help restore and enhance protection against severe disease.
In addition, CDC now recommends that everyone 12 years and old who are immunocompromised and those 50 years and older should received a second booster at least four months after their first booster.
COVID-19 vaccines/boosters are available by appointment at Putnam County Health Department in Winfield. To schedule, call 304.757.2541.
Visit the WV COVID-19 Vaccination Due Date Calculator, a free, online tool that helps people figure out when they may be due for a COVID-19 shot, making it easier to stay up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination.
For questions about this advisory, contact the Office of Epidemiology and Prevention Services (OEPS) at 1.800.423.1271, ext. 1; 304.558.5358, ext. 2; or the 24/7 answering service at 304.342.5151.
