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AT A GLANCE: SANTA BARBARA COUNTY NOVEMBER 5 - NOVEMBER 10
PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS URGE CALIFORNIANS TO STAY VIGILANT AND GET VACCINES AND BOOSTERS TO HELP PREVENT A POSSIBLE COVID-19 WINTER SURGE
With the combination of colder weather keeping people indoors, the waning of vaccine and natural immunity, and more mingling among non-household members, public health officials urge Californians to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible to help prevent a possible winter surge in COVID-19 cases. In certain parts of the state, COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are beginning to go up, signaling the need for Californians to get their booster shots and for the 5-11 age group to get vaccinated.
TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOURSELF AND OTHERS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
COVID-19 is caused by tiny airborne germs that remain in the air when someone breathes, talks, sings, coughs or sneezes. Consider the following measures to protect yourself, your family and your community as you celebrate the holiday season.
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.
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.
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.