Updated COVID-19 vaccines authorized for children 6 months through 5 years

Vaccinations are now available at SNHD clinics throughout the Valley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LAS VEGAS – Updated (bivalent) COVID-19 vaccines are now available for children ages 6 months through 5 years at Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) clinics throughout Clark County. The move follows the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and expanded authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

According to the CDC, updated COVID-19 vaccines are formulated to protect against some of the more recently circulating viruses. These vaccines are critical to providing ongoing protection from COVID-19 as immunity wanes and the virus continues to mutate.

Most children in this age group have, thus far, not received any doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Health officials aim to improve uptake among the 95 percent of children who are not vaccinated or who haven’t completed the COVID-19 vaccine primary series.

• Children ages 6 months through 5 years who previously completed a two-dose Moderna primary series are eligible to receive a Moderna bivalent booster two months after their final primary series dose.
• Children ages 6 months through 4 years who are completing a three-dose Pfizer primary series will receive a Pfizer bivalent vaccine as their third primary dose.

Children in the younger age group have only been eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination since June and the vast majority have not received any doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. According to the CDC, less than five percent of children younger than 5 are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. Health District Officer Dr. Fermin Leguen urged parents to get their children vaccinated and help ensure a safe and healthy holiday season, especially amid the many family gatherings this time of year. He said, “COVID-19 vaccines remain our best defense against the virus. Prevention is the best option.”

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at SNHD clinics throughout the Valley. Visit www.snhd.info/covid-vaccine.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info.