Students aged 16+ are now eligible for the Pfizer vaccine
Vaccines are now available for everyone 16 years of age and older. We strongly encourage you and your daughter to be vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. Vaccination appointments for today through Sunday, April 18 at county-run sites are now available for anyone 16 and older on MyTurn.ca.gov. I also recommend following @lapublichealth on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for updates on appointment availability.
Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine is authorized for those who are 16 and 17 years old, so it is vital for students under 18 to select a location that offers the Pfizer vaccine when making an appointment. The type of vaccine offered is noted for each vaccine site on the L.A. County’s website under How to Make an Appointment. People under the age of 18 also need to have parental consent to receive their vaccination.
Reasons to be vaccinated include:
- Vaccines have been shown to be effective at preventing COVID-19.
- If you do get COVID-19, it helps keep you from becoming seriously ill and protects the people around you.
Some FAQs regarding vaccines:
- Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19? No. None of the authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines currently in use in the United States contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.
- After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, will I test positive for COVID-19? No. Neither of the recently authorized and recommended vaccines nor the other COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States can cause you to test positive for COVID-19.
For answers to more FAQs, check the CDC page that dispels myths and shares the facts about COVID-19 vaccines.
Health experts recommend still following all masking, social distancing and hand-washing guidelines for further protection. As more people become vaccinated and cases of COVID-19 decrease, sectors within our community can open and we will finally be able to restore many of the practices, routines and joys of our pre-COVID lives.
Stay healthy!
Cathy Cota, RN, BSN, PHN
Remember the 3 Ws: wear a face covering, wash your hands, watch your distance
Avoid the 3 Cs: crowds, confined areas, close contact
Practice the 3 Rs: relationships, routines, reassurance
Practice the 3 Rs: relationships, routines, reassurance
Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.
