Solano County expands eligibility for Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to individuals age 5-11; encourages preparation for next school year with well-child visits and dental assessments

May 23, 2022

SOLANO COUNTY –– The Solano County Department of Health and Social Services, Public Health Division, in accordance with state and national guidance, is expanding the Pfizer COVID-19 booster doses to individuals age 5 to 11 years.

The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup unanimously concluded that a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective for youth ages 5-11, following the Emergency Use Authorization from the US Food and Drug Administration and the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Parents who are interested in getting their child vaccinated are encouraged to reach out to their provider to schedule well-child visits and get the COVID-19 booster, along with the recommended childhood immunizations.

“Getting a booster dose for COVID-19 provides an extra layer of protection to keep your child safe and healthy,” said Bela T. Matyas, M.D., M.P.H., Solano County Health Officer. “We encourage parents to schedule routine visits with their child’s healthcare provider to get their child’s immunizations up to date and prepare them for the following school year.”

During the pandemic, Solano County has seen a significant decline in well-child visits and immunizations. The “Bee-wise, Immunize!” campaign, which is a collaborative effort that includes Solano County, First 5 Solano, Partnership HealthPlan, Childstart, and Solano County school districts, encourages families to get up to date on routine visits and vaccinations with their child’s primary care provider or community clinic. For help finding a primary care provider or getting health insurance, call Help Me Grow Solano at (844) 501-5437 or visit helpmegrowsolano.org.

In addition to getting up to date with well child visits and immunizations, children are required by California law to undergo the Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment (KOHA) by May 31 in either kindergarten or first grade, whichever is their first year in public school. The KOHA is an important tool to keep children in school, as poor oral health can affect attendance, grades, and overall performance in school. 

“Children who are having tooth pain may potentially struggle in school or miss school and end up in the emergency room,” says Tracy Nachand, Oral Health Project Director for Solano Public Health. “It is important to incorporate dental visits as a preventive routine in the life of children to adulthood.” 

For more information on how to find a dentist, visit https://smilecalifornia.org/find-a-dentist. 

COVID-19 INFORMATION
n  Homebound individuals interested in requesting an in-home vaccination appointment are encouraged to call the COVID-19 vaccine line at (707) 784-8655 for scheduling assistance
n  Residents without transportation to and from vaccine sites hosted by Solano County are urged to call the COVID-19 vaccine line at (707) 784-8655 and arrange for a free ride through Uber.
n  For vaccine clinic updates and upcoming vaccine clinics in Solano County, visit www.SolanoCounty.com/CovidVaccine.
n  For vaccine clinics available throughout the State, visit https://MyTurn.Ca.Gov or https://www.Vaccines.Gov 

For the most recent local COVID-19 health information, including the number of COVID-19 cases in Solano County as reflected on the COVID-19 dashboard, visit www.SolanoCounty.com/COVID19 and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SolanoCountyPH (@SolanoCountyPH).