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Hochul announces new #VaxForKids sites

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Wed, Feb 16th 2022 01:00 pm

New sites announced weekly to support state's vaccination goals for children 5 years and older

√ Full list of sites updated weekly here

√ Parents and guardians can learn more here; includes resources for organizations hosting #VaxForKids events

Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced 29 new #VaxForKids pop-up vaccination sites to increase vaccination rates among children and adolescents. The new sites support the state's goal of ensuring New York children 5 years and older get vaccinated and keep up with all recommended coronavirus vaccine doses, including the booster.

"New York state ranks first among large states in fully vaccinated adolescents, thanks in part to our #VaxForKids program that brings the vaccine directly to communities, with over 222 sites established to date," Hochul said. "The vaccine is doctor-approved and our best tool to keep our families and communities safe from COVID-19. Parents and guardians, please talk to your child's pediatrician or health care provider about getting your child vaccinated if you haven't already."

The state launched the #VaxForKids campaign to increase vaccination rates among New York children ages 5-11 and provide booster doses for eligible adolescents ages 12-17. The State Department of Health is working with localities, community-based organizations, and health care centers to establish these sites in all regions of the state. Partners, host sites and outreach efforts will be tailored to best meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Hochul’s team said, “New York state continues to lead the way on vaccination. According to data compiled by the Centers for Disease Control, the state ranks first among large states in fully vaccinated adults (18 and over) and adolescents (12-17 years old). To date, over 1.6 million children 5-17 have been vaccinated against COVID-19. As of Feb. 15, 39.6% of children 5-11 and 80.8% of adolescents 12-17 have received at least one dose, and 31.7% of children 5-11 and 70.7% of adolescents 12-17 have completed their initial vaccine series.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "In partnership with trusted organizations on the ground, we are launching 29 new #VaxForKids pop-ups this week. These sites are conveniently located at schools, houses of worship, and community centers to make getting vaccinated accessible for New York families. I urge all parents and guardians to ensure their children 5 and older get vaccinated, complete their vaccine series, and get boosted when eligible – this is how we will protect our children against COVID-19 and its variants."

A community-based medical professional will be available at each site to answer any questions parents and guardians may have. Operational days for each of the #VaxForKids pop-up sites are below.

•Thursday, Feb. 17, 1-4 p.m. at Mount St. Mary's Hospital – Education Room

5300 Military Road, Lewiston

Vaccine type: Pfizer-BioNTech, Janssen/J&J, Moderna, seasonal flu

To register: ages 5-plus first dose here; 5-plus second dose here; 18-plus Moderna first dose here; 18-plus Moderna second dose here; 12-plus booster dose here; seasonal flu here

Event partner: Niagara County Health Department

•Sunday, Feb. 20, 12:30-4:30 p.m. at St. Mark's Open Door Baptist Church

2901 Highland Ave., Niagara Falls

Vaccine type: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna

Event partner: St. Mark's Open Door Baptist Church

Children ages 5 and older are eligible for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. As of Jan. 7, adolescents 12 and older are eligible for a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least five months after completing their initial vaccine series. Additionally, children ages 5-11 with certain immunocompromising conditions are now eligible for an additional dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least 28 days after completing their initial vaccine series. Pediatric providers, parents and guardians are encouraged to visit ny.gov/VaxForKidsny.gov/Boostersny.gov/GetTheVaxFacts, or watch the health commissioner's PSA here.

The coronavirus vaccine is free and widely available statewide, including at over 2,000 locations administering the vaccine for children. All state mass-vaccination sites are administering the vaccine for children ages 5 years and older, boosters for New Yorkers 12 years and older, and additional doses for immunocompromised children 5 years and older.

In addition to the state's pop-up and mass-vaccination sites, New Yorkers can visit vaccines.gov, text their ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find nearby locations. Parents and guardians can also contact their child's pediatrician, family physician, county health departments, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), rural health centers, or pharmacies that may be administering the vaccine to this age group.

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