DIRECTORS' CORNER

Great news, Jeffco! Children 5 to 11 years old are now able to get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.
Children can get COVID-19, become seriously ill and spread it to others. Recently, cases of COVID-19 among children have increased due to widespread transmission of the highly infectious Delta variant, and in Colorado (as of October 2021) there have been more than 39,200 cases of COVID-19 and more than 200 hospitalizations among 5-11 year olds.

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children is a two-dose series given three weeks (21 days) apart. The vaccine dose for children (10 micrograms) is a third of the vaccine dose used among individuals ages 12+ (30 micrograms), and is also administered using a smaller needle. The vaccine for children was about 90% effective in preventing COVID-19, and 100% effective at preventing severe disease and death. The vaccine’s safety was studied in approximately 3,100 children ages 5-11 who received the vaccine and no serious side effects have been detected in the ongoing study, including no cases of myocarditis or pericarditis.

In addition to protecting young children from getting ill with COVID-19, the vaccine will help families return to doing the activities they love, like more safely attending school, gathering with friends and family, participating in team sports and enjoying activities away from home. Kids should get to be kids, and widespread vaccination is how we can end the pandemic together. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine for kids and where to get one at www.COVIDFreeKids.org.

Together,
Dr. Dawn Comstock
Executive Director
Jefferson County Public Health

NEWS YOU CAN USE

BOH Issues Public Health Order 21-006

The Jefferson County Board of Health issued Public Health Order 21-006, which requires all individuals ages 3 and older to wear a mask or cloth face covering when in indoor public spaces in Jefferson County, regardless of vaccination status. The Order went into effect November 24, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. and shall remain in effect at all times Jefferson County is in Substantial or High Transmission. This decision was made following discussion during a public meeting on November 22 and with extensive input from the community over the last week.

MDPH Sends Letter to Gov. Polis

The Metro Denver Partnership of Health (MDPH) sent a letter to Gov. Jared Polis urging him to take statewide action in response to the current COVID-19 surge, which has created unprecedented challenges for Colorado’s hospital system capacity and may require rationing of medical care soon. Read the full release here.

Get Your Flu Vaccine Today

The flu vaccine is the best way to protect your child and family from potentially serious complications from flu. A new CDC study finds that among children ages 6 months through 17 years, flu vaccination reduced risk of being hospitalized for flu by 41% and risk of having a flu-related emergency department visit by half during the 2018-19 flu season. Schedule an appointment for your child’s flu vaccine today.

Travel Safely This Holiday Season

JCPH reminds residents to take travel precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wherever you go, respect the public health guidelines of local destinations. Keep in mind that guidance may vary county by county, so it’s important to plan ahead, be prepared and be flexible. Find more guidance at https://www.jeffco.us/4137/Travel-COVID-19.

Learn More about Points West Jeffco

Harm reduction can save lives, so the Points West team has put it front and center to their mission. Have questions? Need support? Want to learn more? Find all of that and more at www.pointswestjeffco.com.

DATA ROUNDUP: COVID-19 Case Summary

3,877 Jeffco hospitalizations, 1,038 death Jeffco

799,534 vaccines distributed in Jefferson County

As we work to lessen the spread of COVID-19 in Jefferson County, you can stay up to date on COVID-19 data. Click here for a summary at the state level. Click here for our newly updated data dashboard with information on COVID-19 in Jefferson County.

GET INVOLVED

Talk with Teens about Vaping

Vaping is a problem across the country and continues to be prevalent here in Colorado. The good news is that the 2019 Healthy Kids Colorado Survey (HKCS) shows that the majority of Jeffco youth realize that vaping is harmful, and over half of youth who vape report wanting to quit. Even if you don’t think your teen is vaping, the conversation is important. Try asking: “Why do you think people your age vape?”

The best way to show you teen you care? Be there. Find more resources: https://www.twelvetalks.com/vape-tobacco.

PARTNER PROFILE

Jeffco WIC

Our partners at WIC support women, children and families in our Jeffco community. Did you know pregnant women can participate in WIC if they’re income-eligible? The sooner they sign up, the more helpful WIC can be during their pregnancy. Tell your friends and spread the word! For more info: signupwic.com

Join the conversation! Follow Jefferson County Public Health on Facebook at @jeffcopublichealth and on Twitter and Instagram at @jeffcoph. Visit our website at www.jeffco.us/public-health.

November 2021 // Volume 3, Issue 11