LLCHD Partners With Pediatric Practices to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine
Published on June 30, 2021
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) today announced a pilot program in partnership with local pediatric practices to offer COVID-19 vaccine to patients onsite. Children age 12 and older are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 vaccine benefits people in every age group, including children and teens, by providing protection against the virus, preventing severe illness, and allowing them to safely join group activities.
“This is a major step as we continue to expand vaccination opportunities in Lancaster County to reach more residents,” said Health Director Pat Lopez. “We’re excited to partner with Complete Children’s Health, Children First Pediatrics, Pediatrics P.C., Doctors of Children and Lincoln Pediatrics. Providing COVID-19 vaccine to children at their pediatrician’s office gives parents an opportunity to talk to their child’s health care provider about the vaccine and any questions they may have.”
Though most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, some children can get severely ill and require hospitalization. Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted increases in COVID-19 hospitalization rates in adolescents in March-April 2021. Data shows adolescent hospitalization rates peaked at 2.1 per 100,000 in early January 2021, declined to 0.6 in mid-March and rose to 1.3 in April. Among the more than 200 adolescents ages 12 to 17 who were hospitalized, nearly one third were in the intensive care unit and 5% were placed on a ventilator.
The increased hospitalization rates and the potential for severe disease reinforce the importance of continued COVID-19 prevention measures among adolescents, including vaccination and consistent wearing of masks among people not fully vaccinated or when required, according to the CDC report.
In addition to offering vaccine at pediatric practices, LLCHD is exploring options to expand the pilot program and offer COVID-19 vaccine in other health care provider offices in Lincoln and Lancaster County.
Children age 12 and older can also be vaccinated at upcoming LLCHD clinics. Parents and guardians can check locations and schedule an appointment online at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov. People who don’t have online access or need assistance can call 402-441-8006. All minor children age 18 and younger must be accompanied by a parent or guardian when receiving vaccine.
Many local pharmacies offer vaccinations to children age 12 and older. To find a pharmacy near you, visit vaccines.gov. You can also text your ZIP code to 438829.
For more information on COVID-19 vaccine, visit COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov or call the Health Department hotline at 402-441-8006.