SAN JOSE, CA – Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control authorized a single-dose Pfizer booster for adolescents ages 16 and 17. This age group can receive a booster at least six months after the completion of their primary Pfizer vaccination. Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only authorized and recommended booster for this age group.
Since Pfizer’s vaccine and booster are the only shots authorized for children under the age of 18, “mixing and matching” vaccines and boosters is not encouraged for 16- and 17- year-olds.
“It is important that we continue to take preventative measures, such as testing, universal masking, vaccinations, and boosters to keep our students, teachers, and staff safe,” said Dr. Mary Ann Dewan, County Superintendent of Schools. “Those eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination and booster are encouraged to get them as soon as possible.”
Vaccinations in Santa Clara County are available for people ages 5 and up and boosters are available for ages 16 and up. Following today’s approval, the first Santa Clara County booster for this eligible age group has already been proudly administered. Information about vaccinations, boosters, and upcoming clinics can be found at www.sccfreevax.org.
Mobile and pop-up vaccine clinics are held across Santa Clara County to ensure all those eligible have access to the vaccine. As it has been throughout the pandemic, vaccinations are free, health insurance is not required, and immigration status is not asked. Free public transportation is also available to vaccination sites through VTA’s door-to-door service program. For details about securing transportation, please visit https://covid19.sccgov.org/covid-19-vaccine-information#1849274314-2041159031.
Questions regarding vaccines, boosters, and COVID-19 variants can be directed to healthcare providers and clinics. A Frequently Asked Questions fact sheet is also available at https://covid19.sccgov.org/public-health-order-faq.
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency that provides instructional, business, and technology services to the 31 school districts of Santa Clara County. The County Office of Education directly serves students through special education programs, alternative schools, Head Start and State Preschool programs, migrant education, and Opportunity Youth Academy. The SCCOE also provides academic and fiscal oversight and monitoring to districts in addition to the 22 Santa Clara County Board of Education authorized charter schools.
For more information about the Santa Clara County Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @SCCOE on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.