Children Ages 5+ Now Eligible For COVID-19 Vaccine; All Adults Approved To Receive Booster Shots

Kyle Knox

Gila River Indian News

The Community’s fight against COVID-19 grew substantially in November when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded eligibility for all Americans. First, beginning Nov 2, the CDC authorized the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccination for children five years and older. On Nov 19, the CDC authorized booster shots for anyone 18 years and older.

“Given this approval, GRHC will be prepared to vaccinate children within this age range starting this Monday, Nov 8th,” said Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis in a video address to the Community. “The expansion of our vaccination policy to this cohort is an important step in getting the Community through the pandemic and especially toward getting our students back in the classroom.”

Gov. Lewis also encouraged Community schools to consider hosting Mobile Vaccination Unit-style events at their campuses in the future. This could allow for greater convenience for families and lead to in-person schooling sooner than later.

At the Health and Social Standing Committee meeting held Nov. 4, the committee approved the five years and older cohort for vaccines and authorized the use of the Moderna vaccine for third booster shots in the Community for anyone 18 years and older.

Moderna now joins Pfizer as an option for anyone in the Community seeking a booster shot. Booster shots are available for anyone 18 years and older, provided six months has passed since the person received their last shot.

Additionally, booster shots are also available for anyone who has received the one-shot Johnson and Johnson Janssen vaccination. The booster administered will not be a second Janssen shot; instead, it will be either a Pfizer or Moderna shot. The CDC has approved mixing booster vaccines for those who received the J&J vaccine originally.

With the expanded cohorts for youth and booster shot eligibility, the hope of Community Immunity grows stronger with every shot. And with every shot, the Community grows one step closer to returning to a stronger state of normalcy, especially as everyone heads into the holiday season. 

Families and individuals interested in receiving a COVID-19 vaccination or booster should contact GRHC at (602) 528-1482 to schedule an appointment at any Primary Care Department.