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NOTE: Updates have been made to data shared in this newsletter in response to community feedback.
AT A GLANCE: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
OCTOBER 22 - OCTOBER 28
FDA AUTHORIZES PFIZER-BIONTECH COVID-19 VACCINE FOR EMERGENCY USE IN CHILDREN AGE 5-11
Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include children age 5-11. The authorization was based on the FDA’s thorough and transparent evaluation of the data that included input from independent advisory committee experts who overwhelmingly voted in favor of making the vaccine available to children in this age group.
Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster doses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Western States Scientific Safety Review workgroup followed suit and recommended a booster dose especially for persons over 65 and to persons with chronic medical conditions.
Fall is here, and you and your family may be looking forward to scheduling visits to the pumpkin patch or enjoying fall festivals and Halloween parties.
To make sure you all stay safe, here are a few recommendations as you head out to celebrate.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH CONTINUES TO URGE RESIDENTS TO GET FLU SHOTS
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department reminds the community that Flu season has arrived. Flu vaccination will be very important to reduce flu and reduce the overall impact of respiratory illnesses on the community, like COVID-19. Getting a flu vaccine is an essential part of protecting your health and your family’s health. Flu vaccines are not designed to protect against COVID-19. Flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death in addition to other important benefits.
VIDEO:OCTOBER 28 KEYT LIVE INTERVIEW WITH HEALTH OFFICER DR. HENNING ANSORG
Tune in to KEYT Newschannel 3 generally each Thursday at 11 a.m. for a live one-on-one interview with Santa Barbara County public health experts for the latest news about COVID-19 and pandemic recovery.
Click below for a map and listing of County Public Health PCR test sites, and our FAQ. Otherwise, please contact your primary care provider or preferred Urgent Care Center to inquire about available testing options.