San Rafael, CA – Within the first week of authorization of the COVID-19 vaccine for children aged 5 to 11, more than 3,000 Marin County children were vaccinated across the county. More appointments are opening for vaccine clinics across the county as supplies increase.
Vaccine appointments for children have filled quickly in Marin County, and more clinics are being opened for scheduled appointments.As case rates rise among unvaccinated children coming in to the winter holidays, Marin County Public Health is working to ensure as many children are protected with the vaccine as soon as possible.
“This is a critical step in putting this pandemic behind us,” said Dr. Matt Willis, Marin County Public Health Officer. “Until this week, all of our 5-11-year-olds have been unvaccinated and vulnerable. As winter comes, it’s important to close that gap in our protection as a community.”
Vaccine appointments have filled quickly. Every day, more clinics are being opened for scheduling appointments in pediatric clinics, pharmacies, and Public Health sites. On November 11, 1,000 additional appointments over the next 10 days were opened at the Kerner Clinic in San Rafael.
That clinic, in addition to other sites, is best accessed through MyTurn.ca.gov or GetVaccinatedMarin.org. Kaiser Permanente is booking appointments for children ages 5-11 online at KP.org/covidvaccine.
Case rates countywide have been rising steadily over the past two weeks as they have across the region. Unvaccinated Marin residents, including children who have not yet had the chance to be vaccinated, are 20 times more likely to be infected with the virus. Children aged 5-11 make up 41% of Marin’s cases among unvaccinated residents and are only 8% of the population.
“We’re seeing more cases among children because they’re not protected the way our adults and adolescents are as the virus starts to spread again,” said Dr. Lisa Santora, Marin County Deputy Health Officer. “This is the right time to get an appointment to vaccinate your kids. Once they’re vaccinated, it means safer gatherings with friends, family, and classmates.”
Willis and Santora have shared how eager they have been to vaccinate their own children, and the personal relief knowing their families will be better protected.
Marin County Public Health’s online vaccine data now reflects vaccination figures for all residents aged 5 and older, with a lag of up to one week if posting all vaccinations.
Learn more on coronavirus.marinHHS.org.