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AT A GLANCE: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
OCTOBER 29 - NOVEMBER 4
COVID-19 VACCINATION AVAILABLE FOR CHILDREN 5 TO 11 YEARS OF AGE IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
On November 2, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) endorsed recommendations that children 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine. This announcement follows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization of the pediatric vaccine last week. The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup has also approved these recommendations. With this authorization, approximately 42,000 children ages 5 through 11 are now eligible to be vaccinated in Santa Barbara County.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY EXTENDS HEALTH OFFICER ORDER REQUIRING USE OF FACE COVERINGS INDOORS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID-19
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department has extended a Health Officer Order which requires the use of masks in indoor public settings. This order requires all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, to wear face coverings when indoors in public settings, with limited exceptions. This Order 2021-10.6 is effective 5 p.m. November 4, 2021 and continuing until 5 p.m., on December 4, 2021 or until it is extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended.
There are now booster recommendations for all three available COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. Some people may have a preference for the vaccine type that they originally received, and others may prefer to get a different booster. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.
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: NOVEMBER 4 KEYT LIVE INTERVIEW WITH COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DR. VAN DO-REYNOSO, PHD, MPH
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.