For the Tomahawk Leader

LINCOLN COUNTY – The Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) will hold a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine clinic for children ages 5 to 11 at the health department, 607 N. Sales St., Merrill, on Friday, Dec. 17, from 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The second dose clinic is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 7, 2022 at the same time and location. The vaccines will be provided at no charge.

In a release from Friday, Dec. 3, LCHD said COVID-19 disease activity “remains very high” and is increasing in Lincoln County and throughout the state.

Between Nov. 1 and Dec. 3, 82 of the 409 new COVID-19 cases reported in Lincoln County (20%) were in children under 18 years old, according to the release.

“Although COVID-19 symptoms in children tend to be milder, medical experts are still learning about the long-term effects of COVID-19 in children,” LCHD stated. “One rare, but serious condition associated with COVID-19 infection is multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), which can cause parts of the body to become inflamed.”

MIS-C can lead to inflammation of the heart, lungs, kidneys, brain, skin, eyes, or gastrointestinal organs or cause blood clotting disorders.

“One of the best ways to protect your child from severe COVID-19 illness or the long-term health effects is to get them vaccinated,” LCHD said.

LCHD recommended pre-registering for the clinics, as supplies are limited, but walk-ins will be accepted. To pre-register, visit www.bit.ly/32ZAmpd or call 715-539-1375. Face masks will be required at the clinics.

To find other COVID-19 vaccination sites, visit www.vaccines.gov.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/parents.htm or www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/planning/children.html. Information is also available through healthcare providers and LCHD.