Pfizer vaccine available at Kossuth County clinics

Local public health officials are hoping to expand COVID-19 vaccination efforts to include younger individuals. Kossuth County Public Health will gain access to doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which has been approved for use for those age 12 and up.

After the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Emergency Use Authorization approval on May 10, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved individuals age 12 to 15 years old to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Previously vaccine was limited to those age 16 years and older. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine are approved for people age 18 and older.

“This is a whole new age group for us to reach out to in Kossuth County to deliver COVID-19 vaccine,” said Lynzie Nilles, director of Kossuth County Public Health at Kossuth Regional Health Center. “Up until now, we have only had access to vaccines approved for people age 18 and older. We anticipate that many parents will be interested in getting their children vaccinated, now that the option is available.”

Individuals under age 18 receiving the COVID-19 will need a parent’s consent at the time of vaccination.

Those interested in receiving a vaccine may come to one of the upcoming community clinics, or attend the drive through clinics at the Kossuth County Fairgrounds scheduled for Wednesday, May 26 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Registration is available online at www.krhc.com, or individuals may call 515-295-4450 and leave a message.

On Thursday, May 27, walk-in vaccine clinics will be held in the following communities:

• Burt from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Community Center
• Titonka from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Community Center
• Wesley from noon to 1 p.m. at the Community Center
• LuVerne from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Fire Station
• Algona from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in KRHC Community Health

No appointment is necessary to receive a vaccine at these community clinics. Moderna and Pfizer (two doses needed) and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (single dose) will all be available.

For COVID-19 updates and vaccine information, please call the Kossuth County Public Health hotline at 515-295-4450 or visit www.krhc.com.