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WPCNR CORONA VIRUS Surveillance. From the Westchester County Department of Communications. October 27, 2022:

The Westchester County Department of Health is offering Pfizer COVID-19 boosters for children ages 5-11 starting tomorrow Friday, October 28.

Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “I encourage parents to schedule their children’s boosters as soon as possible. We anticipate an uptick in COVID-19 cases after Halloween and through the upcoming holidays, just as we experienced the past few years. These boosters will extend your family’s protection against serious COVID-19 symptoms, and help you avoid exposing more vulnerable family and friends.”

Flu season is here, and families can also schedule flu vaccines at the same time at the Health Department Clinic in White Plains.

The Westchester County Health Department will offer both the flu vaccine and pediatric COVID-19 bivalent boosters by appointment, as follows:

·         Fridays, Nov. 3 and 18, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at 134 Court Street, White Plains

·         Thursday, Nov. 3, Yonkers Riverfront Library, 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

·         Monday, Nov. 14, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 134 Court Street, White Plains

·         December Friday appointments will be added later, so please check back.

Amler added: “Combining vaccines is safe and it is more convenient to schedule both at the same time. Children often receive multiple shots at once, and you are much less likely to skip a vaccine if both are given together. Vaccines for flu and COVID-19 offer the best protection we have to fight these diseases, so the sooner you get vaccinated, the better.” 

Go to www.westchestergov.com/health to book your vaccine visit.

In the U.S., flu activity is usually highest between December and February, but can last into May. One flu vaccine now provides protection all season long and can prevent illness or reduce the severity of flu symptoms. The vaccine becomes fully effective after about two weeks.