Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health (BBPH) is providing COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals aged 12 and older at its upcoming vaccination event. The event is scheduled to run from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, at the Bismarck Event Center.
Individuals attending this first-dose clinic, will receive the Pfizer vaccine and information about registering for their second-dose clinic. Anyone under the age of 18 who would like to receive a vaccine must provide proof of parental consent prior to vaccination.
“The approval of Pfizer vaccine for this younger population is an exciting development that allows us to protect a large population of children who have shouldered heavy burdens this past year”, said BBPH Director, Renae Moch. “This is an important step to bring us closer to ending the pandemic.”
To register for this vaccine clinic, visit https://www.ndvax.org/appointment/en/client/registration?clinic_id=2602. The www.ndvax.org site also allows you to search for additional vaccination events throughout the state. Visit www.vaccines.gov/search to look for COVID vaccine availability by zip code.
Along with expanding the ages able to receive COVID vaccinations, CDC has recently removed the 14-day minimum interval for administration of any other vaccine before or after a COVID-19 vaccine.
“More than 100 million people in the United States are fully vaccinated against this terrible disease and millions more have received the first of two rounds of vaccination,” said Moch. “We are getting closer to herd immunity, but that progress has slowed. It is going to take a change of mind from some people who may have previously been hesitant to receive the vaccine. For those individuals, I suggest you look at North Dakota’s data. The vaccines have been more than 99 percent effective in preventing vaccinated individuals from getting COVID. It is preventing individuals who get the disease from dying. Ignore the so-called social media doctors and speak with real healthcare professionals. They are going to reinforce what we have been saying for months: our only reasonable way out of this pandemic is through vaccination.”
Following vaccination, people of all ages are recommended to utilize a symptom tracker such as V-safe. This smartphone-based tool uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
For ongoing response efforts to the COVID-19 pandemic, the North Dakota Department of Health has established a COVID-19 Hotline to help answer your questions. You may call 1-866-207-2880, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with questions. Please note that individuals seeking specific medical advice should contact their healthcare provider.
For vaccination and/or testing event inquiries, as well as questions about other health programs and issues, please call BBPH at 355-1540, or you can connect with us online at www.bismarcknd.gov or through social media: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more info about COVID-19, visit the ND Department of Health website, NDResponse.gov, or CDC website.