Aiken County schools chief supports vaccines for young children

Shakailah Heard, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Nov. 3—Aiken County Board of Education Superintendent King Laurence is in favor of COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5-11.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday for children ages 5-11.

"I encourage parents to strongly consider having their children vaccinated, just like any other childhood vaccination, whether it's a flu shot or chicken pox or anything else," Laurence said. "I think that if we have the ability to prevent a disease, then we should do it."

Laurence added he is not in favor of a mandate for the vaccine but encourages anyone eligible to get it.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control also supports this decision. Beginning Wednesday, children are able to get the vaccine in South Carolina.

Pediatric vaccinations are being distributed this week to more than 250 vaccine providers in South Carolina including many pediatricians and family practice providers, according to DHEC.

"Just like a measles or polio shot, the COVID-19 vaccine will stave off this deadly virus and allow our children to safely attend school and focus on bettering themselves in the classroom," DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer said. "We strongly urge parents to learn more about this vaccine and protect their children by taking advantage of this life-saving opportunity."

The Pfizer vaccine was approved by the CDC and has a 91% effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 among children 5-11, according to DHEC. The federal government has enough doses for 28 million children within this age group.

"We are encouraged by this news and are excited to offer this vaccine to the 436,352 South Carolinian children in this age group," Simmer said.

According to DHEC, it is best to contact the child's provider for availability before visiting a vaccination site.

Vaccines for children will be available at pediatric health care provider offices, pharmacies, federally qualified health centers and more, according to the CDC.