Vaccinations available through LCHD

For the Tomahawk Leader

LINCOLN COUNTY – With children age six months and older now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, the Lincoln County Health Department (LCHD) on Friday, June 24 provided information on how caregivers can get their children vaccinated through the department.

“It has been a very challenging time for our young children and their caregivers,” LCHD stated. “Many have excellent questions and want to know many things including, ‘When will this be over? Why is this something I should be concerned about?’ As the pandemic continues, the information learned about the virus is extremely valuable. This includes how it changes and how to prevent severe illness in compromised individuals.”

LCHD said vaccinating young children will not be at the top of caregivers’ to-do lists if the benefits are not communicated clearly.

“Communication on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination needed to start earlier than it did, but as with anything new, we continue to learn from the past,” said Jennifer Johnson, RN, LCHD Public Health Nurse.  “What can change for the better, as new groups become eligible for this vaccine, is to have open and honest discussions with your trusted health care provider. Understanding the risks and benefits is key to doing the best for your family and for our community.”

“Pfizer’s three-dose vaccination series for children age six months to four years and Moderna’s two-dose vaccination series for children age six months to five years created immunity protection at high levels similar to the immune responses seen among young adults,” LCHD stated. “Safety monitoring for all medical treatments, including vaccines, is essential to providing the best outcome possible for health.”

As of June 8, 2022, 10 million kids ages 5-11 had received at least one of the mRNA vaccines, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

LCHD is continuing to partner with AMI clinics in July. Vaccination clinics will be held at LCHD, 607 N. Sales St., Suite 101, Merrill, on Tuesdays, July 5, 12 and 19, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursdays, July 7, 14 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

COVID-19 vaccines for kids six months and older will be available at the clinics. Pre-register at www.vaccinate.wi.gov/en-US. Walk-ins are welcome.

For more information, contact LCHD’s COVID-19 hotline at 715-536-0307.