Pfizer vaccine to be available May 4 for 16 and 17-year-olds

Apr. 28—ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Health Department will be hosting a special clinic May 4 for 16 and 17 year-olds to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

The 16-17-year-old age group became eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines on April 7. Parents must give consent for these individuals to be vaccinated, according to Health Director Tommy Jarrell.

Richmond County has only been distributing the Moderna vaccine thus far. It has not been approved for minors, so the Health Department will be working with a local county to obtain the Pfizer doses.

Jarrell said that the Pfizer vaccine must be stored at a colder temperature and delivered in a specific time frame that has not been compatible with Richmond County's rollout. Pfizer doses are received in allotments around 1,150, which has been beyond our counties current capability.

"We cannot handle that many doses at one time," Jarrell said. "We just want to get it in increments we know that we can dispense out."

Jarrell said the effects from the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are basically the same. The age limits imposed on the separate companies is based on how they conducted their pharmaceutical trials.

The clinic will be a drive thru. In the event of inclement weather, vaccine will be administered inside of building. The vaccine will be offered by appointment only. To schedule appointment, call 910-417-3030. A parent or guardian must be present for consent, according to the Health Department. The clinic will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on May 4.

Appointments are being scheduled, though only 50 doses are available.

Transportation assistance is available for those who need it. To request pick up by Area of Richmond Transit, inform the person on the phone when you call the number above.

Jarrell clarified that they're simply following the recommendations of the CDC, which is now advising that this age group can receive the vaccine. He said the Health Department has received phone calls from parents who want their children to get the vaccine.

"If you look at the number of positive COVID cases, a good number of [individuals] in that age group are testing positive for COVID," Jarrell said. "People of that age group tend to be more sociable and around people in close quarters."

"The concern is they can spread it very easily," he continued. "The good part is they tend to be much healthier so they can recover from it more quickly. It's recommended they get it by the CDC."

To support the Richmond County Daily Journal, subscribe at https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/subscribe.

Reach Matthew Sasser at 910-817-2671 or [email protected]