OCH Regional Medical Center will host a walk-in COVID vaccine clinic from 8 a.m.-noon Friday in the OCH Community Room to help students return to school safely next month.
Students ages 12 and older are encouraged to receive the vaccination, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
“There are many safe and effective vaccines for children that protect them from diseases like whooping cough, measles and meningitis,” said OCH Interim Chief Nursing Officer Savannah Brown, who is certified in infection control. “Providing vaccines for COVID-19 is another way to protect our children, and we’re happy to offer this layer of protection to our local schools and families.”
As of Tuesday, five COVID patients were hospitalized at OCH — the most the hospital has had at one time since February. Although none were children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports pediatric patients make up a larger share of the new virus cases across the U.S. as more adults get vaccinated.
The Pfizer brand is the only COVID vaccine approved for those 12 to 17 years old and requires two shots, three weeks apart. The second dose for patients will be scheduled on the date the first shot is received. Those receiving the vaccine should plan to stay for at least 15 minutes to be monitored. The CDC has received reports of myocarditis and pericarditis in adolescents and young adults after receiving the Pfizer COVID vaccine. To learn more about the vaccine, visit och.org/covid.
OCH offers a walk-in COVID vaccine clinic every Friday, 8 a.m.-noon, in the OCH Community Room.
Those unable to attend the walk-in clinic may make an appointment by calling 662-615-2956.
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