Vaccinations urged for youth
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ALPENA -- Nearly 24% of Northeast Michigan youth between the ages of 12 to 19 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to data released Friday by the state health department.
That means about 27% of youth in Alpena County have received at least one dose of the vaccine, the highest percentage of vaccinated youth in the four-county region.
Nearly 21% of youth in Presque Isle County and around 20% of youth in Montmorency County have received at least one dose of the vaccine.
With a little less than 20% of youth having received at least one dose of the vaccine, Alcona County has the least amount of vaccinated youth.
Kayla Keen, public health nursing director with District Health Department No. 4, said in an email to The News, vaccination is the pathway out of the pandemic.
"As we approach the upcoming school year we urge parents and guardians to vaccinate their children 12 years of age and older," Keen said in the email. "DHD No. 4 has immunization appointments available, and staff is here to answer any questions parents may have about vaccinating their child."
LaShawn Waters of Lansing, visiting family in the area, said she got her vaccine the same time as her teenage son. Waters said her son received a flier from her son's school and they attended the clinic at the Lansing Mall.
She said her son was working at Home Depot when they discussed getting vaccinated.
"I asked him and he wanted to (get the vaccine)," she said.
Youth between the ages of 12 and 15 are among the last groups of people who became eligible to receive a vaccination. The Food and Drug Administration in early May approved the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for kids 12 to 15, allowing states to get middle school students vaccinated before fall.
Local public health officials in June asked parents to put vaccinations on their child's back-to-school list this fall.
Devin Spivey, community health director and epidemiologist for District Health Department 4 said, in a June news release, having children vaccinated by the start of a new school year could mean less disruption for families. She said it could also be peace of mind for parents who have children who participate in extracurricular activities such as sports or band.
Health Department officials encourage parents to talk to their health care provider about vaccinating their child. Appointments to receive a vaccine at the Health Department can be made by calling 1-800-221-0294.