News from the Somerset County Board of County Commissioners
Shanel Y. Robinson, Commissioner Director | Sara Sooy, Commissioner Deputy Director
Melonie Marano, Commissioner | Paul Drake, Commissioner | Doug Singleterry, Commissioner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 3, 2021
Somerset County to Initiate Pfizer COVID Vaccinations for 5- to 11-Year-Old Children at Senior Wellness Center on Friday
Parent or Guardian Must Be Present and Provide Consent for Youth Vaccinations at Somerset County Clinics
SOMERVILLE, NJ – Beginning Friday, Nov. 5th, the Somerset County Department of Health will begin administering the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 to 11-years following approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Clinics on Friday, Nov. 5th, 12th, and 19th at the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center in Bridgewater will have first dose walk-in appointments ONLY for children ages 5 to 11-years old from 4 to 7:30 p.m. The address is 876 East Main Street in Bridgewater. Previously scheduled 2nd dose appointments for Pfizer and Moderna will also be accommodated at these clinics.
The Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine for children ages 5 to 11-years old will be a two-dose series, with 21 days between the first dose and second dose. Eligible children must have parental or legal guardian consent, a parent or guardian present during vaccination, and Somerset County residency to receive a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at one of Somerset County’s COVID-19 pediatric vaccination clinics. All Somerset County COVID-19 vaccination clinics are listed at http://www.co.somerset.nj.us/vaxclinics.
The inclusion of this age group expands the pool of eligible individuals and allows for more widespread vaccination, a critical tool the CDC reports can help stop the pandemic. Currently, Somerset County has 238,746 fully vaccinated residents, representing 74.8 percent of the 12 and older population and 84.5 percent of all residents. Both are the highest percentages for any county in the state of New Jersey.
Children can be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, can get sick from COVID-19, and can spread COVID-19 to others. Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and vaccinating the whole family age five and older can protect loved ones of all ages.
COVID vaccines may also be available at local pharmacies and healthcare providers’ offices.
To reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus, get vaccinated with an approved vaccine and follow everyday healthy habits. The following interventions may also help stop the spread of coronaviruses and other respiratory diseases:
- Wear a mask in indoor settings regardless of vaccination status if over two-years of age when in locations where there may be a high rate of transmission
- Maintain distance from others – at least two arm’s length apart
- Avoid crowds
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Cover coughs and sneezes, and
- Monitor health daily and stay home when sick
Since information on COVID-19 is being regularly updated, it is important to stay informed through reliable resources. Follow public health experts such as the CDC at www.cdc.gov, the New Jersey Department of Health at www.nj.gov/health and the Somerset County Department of Health at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health.
The Somerset County Department of Health (SCDOH)
The SCDOH is the lead agency for public health emergency preparedness and response in Somerset County. Funding for these activities is provided by the CDC’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness Cooperative Agreement through the New Jersey Department of Health.
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