In anticipation of the Federal Food and Drug Administration approving the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for those ages 12 through 15, the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department on Wednesday announced its plan to vaccinate students in that age group throughout Kanawha County. The vaccine is currently approved for those age 16 and older.
“We continue to see a significant portion of our COVID-19 cases in young people, so vaccinating those ages 12 through 15 should cut down on disease spread in the county,” said Dr. Sherri Young, health officer and executive director of the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department. “We will be ready to go once the FDA gives the green light.”
The plan includes:
- KCHD will survey parents of Kanawha County Schools students about vaccine interest and deploy strike teams to vaccinate students in that age group at schools throughout the county. The goal will be to begin vaccinations in schools next week.
- KCHD and partners will offer vaccinations at Kanawha County Schools’ “Summer Academy” June 7 through 30.
- KCHD and partners will hold a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination clinic geared toward those age 12 and older and their families on Saturday, May 15 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.
- KCHD will work with multiple camps, fairs and festivals throughout the summer to provide vaccinations for those age 12 and older as well as the general public
- Kanawha County will release a public service announcement to motivate those age 12 and older to receive the vaccine, as well as social media campaign and educational material
- Upon FDA approval, KCHD will immediately open appointments to those age 12 and older to receive vaccinations on site
- KCHD will partner with Kanawha County Schools and community partners to hold additional vaccination clinics prior to the beginning of the school year.