Health Department Begins Offering Covid-19 Vaccinations To Children 5 And Up

Checking in for vaccination at Fredstrom Elementary School Thursday, June 2.

Lincoln, NE (June 3, 2022) The city county health department is launching another series of Covid-19 vaccination clinics, and they’re including shots for 5-11 year old children, the latest group authorized by the C-D-C for vaccination. One clinic was held Thursday, and another is set for Saturday at Lincoln Northeast High School. In the coming week, clinics will be held at the Health Department’s 31st and O Headquarters…and one will be held Tuesday at Arnold Elementary School. (See the times and locations below.)

COMPLETE DAILY SUMMARY

Lab-confirmed cases reported today: 61

Total cases: 71,979

Total number of deaths: 441

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 patients:

27 with 23 from Lancaster County (none on ventilators) and 4 from other communities (one on a ventilator). Note: The hospitalization number includes patients who no longer test positive for COVID-19 but continue to be hospitalized.

Risk Dial: mid-yellow – risk of COVID-19 spread and impact in the community is moderate. Public health guidance is available at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov.

At-home test kits available:

At-home test kits are available in the main lobby of LLCHD, 3131 ”O” St., during regular business hours. Test kits are also available at all Lincoln City Library locations. Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order a third round of free, at home tests from the federal government. Visit covidtests.gov to place an order.

At-home test reporting:

Lancaster County residents can report results of their at-home COVID-19 tests to the Health Department and receive helpful quarantine and isolation information. The form is available at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov in the testing section of the website, just below the risk dial. All information is confidential. People who require assistance completing the form may call LLCHD at 402-441-8006 for assistance.

Vaccinations administered:

Initiated vaccinations (first doses): 229,779
Completed vaccinations (second doses and J&J vaccine): 215,666
Lancaster County residents who are fully vaccinated: 67.6%
Booster doses: 127,120

Vaccinations:

Those experiencing some of the most severe outcomes from COVID-19 are unvaccinated. LLCHD strongly urges everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated or boosted. Vaccination helps prevent severe illness, saves lives, and slows further spread of the virus. Residents age 5 and older are eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccine and a first booster dose. Those age 50 and older and those age 12 and older with weakened immune systems are eligible for a second booster dose. Find a clinic near you at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov. Walk-ins are welcome or schedule an appointment. Residents can also find a local pharmacy offering vaccinations at vaccines.gov or by texting their ZIP code to 438829. Those who do not have online access or who need assistance with registration or scheduling may call LLCHD at 402-441-4200 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Booster doses for children 5 through 11:

LLCHD has expanded COVID-19 vaccination clinics to include booster doses for children ages 5 to 11. The Health Department will also host walk-in vaccinations at local schools throughout June. The announcement follows recent approval by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of a Pfizer booster dose for children in this age group. The booster dose is recommended at five months after completing the initial two-dose series.

The Health Department is contacting parents and guardians of vaccine recipients who fall within the new recommendations to schedule booster dose appointments. Walk-ins are welcome at all clinics. Parents and guardians can also schedule an appointment for their child at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov. If children are eligible for a COVID-19 booster dose or haven’t yet received the primary series, LLCHD strongly encourages parents to get them vaccinated as soon as possible.

Upcoming vaccination clinics (schedule subject to change; appointments are encouraged, walk-ins also welcome at all locations):

Saturday, June 4, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Lincoln Northeast High School, 2635 N. 63rd St.
Monday, June 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., LLCHD, 3131 “O” St.
Tuesday, June 7, 3:30 to 6 p.m., Arnold Elementary School, 5000 Mike Scholl St.
Wednesday, June 8, 4 to 7 p.m., LLCHD

All clinics will offer first and second doses for age 5 and older, first booster doses for age 12 and older, and second booster doses for age 50 and older and those age 12 and older with weakened immune systems. View upcoming clinics and schedule an appointment at COVID19.lincoln.ne.gov.