More people are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination, including students who are 5 years and older. At Des Moines Public Schools, that amounts to tens of thousands of people! The Polk County Health Department is providing the letter below to update parents and guardians on the availability of the vaccine for younger students, including how to sign up for an appointment. The vaccine is available at no cost to families. As activities and events continue at school, a vaccination is a safe way for everyone to do their part to keep themselves and others healthy.
Dear Polk County Parents and Guardians:
Do you have a student 5 years and older? Students love being able to stay involved in sports, band, choir and extra-curricular activities. The best way to keep them active and still involved in these groups is to get them vaccinated against COVID-19.
The COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine is currently approved for individuals 5 years of age and older. The Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is 91% effective in preventing the COVID-19 virus with symptoms.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. COVID-19 vaccines were evaluated in tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials. The vaccines met FDA and CDC’s rigorous scientific standards for safety and effectiveness.
Getting your student vaccinated against COVID-19 is the best way for them to stay involved in activities and to prevent being quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure. Choosing to get vaccinated not only protects them from COVID-19 but the vaccine keeps our community safe from COVID-19, including classmates, school employees and family members who are at increased risk due to serious health concerns. Having more students fully vaccinated against COVID-19 helps to protect their teachers, coaches and fellow teammates.
You can register your student for the vaccine at immunizepolk.com. Appointments open every Thursday at noon. We have appointments available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Sincerely,
Helen Eddy, RPh, MBA
Polk County Health Department Director