Remember Back-to-School Vaccines: Rockland Officials

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Many students missed their annual checkups this past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rockland officials said, asking parents to remember that annual visits to the pediatrician are important for time-sensitive screenings and immunizations.

"Vaccines are needed now for your adolescent to safely return to school for in-person learning or to participate in other activities, such as sports," said Rockland County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert.

"With the more contagious Delta variant circulating, we see more young people getting sick and hospitalized with COVID-19. In addition to required school immunizations, getting your adolescent their COVID-19 shot will also help protect them from illness and reduce the spread of COVID-19," she said.

Kids age 12 and older can get routine vaccinations at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

"Making sure that your child is up to date on vaccinations is one of the best ways to protect their health," health officials said.

Upcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics at the Rockland County Department of Health:

• 3 – 7 PM, Tuesday, August 17 – Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine – Ages 12+
• 3 – 7 PM, Wednesday, August 25 – Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine – Ages 12+

The coronavirus vaccine is the best way to keep your child from getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19, officials said. The COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the variants of concern, such as the Delta variant. Those who are unvaccinated have the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill. Parents with questions or concerns about the vaccines should talk to their child's doctor.

Until your child is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, they should wear a well-fitting mask over their mouth and nose indoors and continue CDC's public health prevention measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, as well as follow your child's school districts COVID-19 mitigation guidelines.

Click to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at the Rockland County Department of Health. Walk-ins at vaccine clinics are welcome and will be registered on-site.

Any 12- to 17-year-old receiving the vaccine must arrive with a parent or guardian who will sign a consent form. The parent or guardian must show some form of personal identification, such as a driver's license.

If you have health insurance, please bring your benefit card with you. The vaccine is free; however, the health department can collect an administrative fee from insurance plans. All are welcome regardless of immigration status.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine uses mRNA technology which continues to prove to be safe and effective. These vaccines are an essential public health tool that protects people from getting sick or severely ill with COVID-19 and may also help those around you. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine requires you to get a second dose 21 days/3 weeks after your first dose. You will be given an appointment for your second dose, or you may go anywhere the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is offered.

Visit the New York State Am I Eligible webpage or Vaccines.gov to find a vaccine near you. For questions, more information, or if you need assistance scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, call 845-238-1956 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Monday – Friday (except holidays).

For more information on immunizations and COVID-19 vaccines, visit https://www.unity4teenvax.org/dontwaitvaccinate/, and https://www.immunyze.org/.