(Blackwood, NJ) – After the Centers for Disease Control recently authorized the use of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shots in children ages 5 to 11 years old, the Camden County Health Hub has begun administering doses to this age group. Public health officials have recommended that children in this age group receive a booster shot five months after their initial vaccination series.
“According to the CDC, since the pandemic began more than two years ago, more than 4.8 million children in this age group have been diagnosed with COVID-19,” said Commissioner Director Louis Cappelli Jr. “This current wave of this Omicron subvariant has seen more kids getting sick with the disease and being hospitalized, and children may also experience longer term effects, even following initially mild disease. As cases begin to increase once again, this booster dose will help ensure that children in this age group are as protected as possible from the adverse effects of this insidious virus.”
Cases are once again on the rise in Camden County and across the state, with the daily case average rising from 177 last week to 197 this week. In addition, the infection rate has risen to 1.18, the percent positivity countywide has increased 2.1% in the last week and there have been three more deaths in Camden County, bringing the death toll to 1,632. There are currently 227 people hospitalized in the South Jersey region with COVID-19.
With these key metrics increasing, it’s imperative that everyone who is eligible for the booster gets their dose. All adults and children ages 12-17 are eligible for their first booster shots and adults ages 50 and up as well as those who are immunocompromised can now receive a second dose of the COVID-19 booster shot.
Based on the transmission level in the region the county public health officer is also making strong recommendations to wear a mask indoors in crowded spaces, stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms of the virus.
“If you’ve only received two doses of Moderna or Pfizer, or one dose of the J&J, you are no longer considered up to date on your vaccinations,” Cappelli continued. “That booster shot really gives you an extra layer of protection so please, make an appointment at the Camden County Health Hub by visiting www.CamdenCountyVaccine.com.”
Operational hours at the Camden County Health Hub vaccine clinic run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays.
More information regarding Camden County’s preparations and response related to the COVID-19 pandemic is available by visiting camdencounty.com. Residents should frequently check the county webpage and social media for up-to-date information.