SE Arizona News

County of Cochise issued the following announcement on Nov. 8.

Children ages five to eleven are now eligible to receive the Pfizer pediatric vaccine to help prevent serious illness and infection of COVID-19. During Friday’s COVID-19 Work-Session update to the Board of Supervisors, Cochise Health & Social Services (CHSS) presented the latest CDC vaccine recommendations and shared an overview of virus cases and trends within the County. 

Vaccination with the Pfizer pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11 was approved on Nov. 2, following a thorough review by the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Compared to vaccine doses allocated to those ages 12 and older, the Pfizer pediatric doses are smaller doses and come in different packaging to clearly distinguish the difference in use. Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit their child’s primary care physician to receive the vaccine. 

Additionally, the Pfizer booster vaccine is available to those ages 18 and older who received a complete dose series of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. The Moderna vaccine was widely administered within Cochise County, and now residents have the option to receive either the Pfizer or Moderna booster, 6 months after their primary dose series is complete. 

Pharmacies, healthcare providers, and outreach clinics throughout the County are available to administer the booster vaccine to those who choose to receive it. If you are having trouble scheduling an appointment, CHSS is available to help. CHSS encourages community members to have a conversation with their primary provider as to whether they should receive a booster dose. 

COVID-19 case data as of November 2, 2021:

• Confirmed cases: 16,002, including 674 new cases since the update on Oct. 22, 2021
• Hospitalizations: 893, including 21 new hospitalizations since the update on Oct. 22. 
• Confirmed deaths: 345, including 10 new confirmations since the update on Oct. 22. 
• Breakthrough cases: 503 as of November 3, 2021. 
• Vaccinations administered: 133,608 as of November 3, 2021.
• School-related cases since the start of the semester (Aug. 8, 2021): 742, including 152 new cases since the update on Oct. 22. 

During the presentation, CHSS’s contract Epidemiologist shared data on reinfection cases within Cochise County. Findings include:

• Reinfection is defined as initially contracting the virus infection and again contracting the virus, more than 90 days after the initial infection. Data shows 54 total reinfections as of Sep. 2, 2021. 
• Data shows an increase in the rate of reinfection cases after the Delta variant appeared in Cochise County in June 2021. 
• Data shows living or working in a congregate setting is a contributing factor in the relationship between vaccination and COVID-19 reinfection.

“It’s heartbreaking to see deaths from COVID-19 continue to climb within our County. It’s also very sad to see the number of cases occurring in the schools,” says CHSS Director Alicia M. Thompson. “I am thankful we live in a free country where people can make their own choices, however, getting vaccinated is the best choice to protect our children, our elders, and all of our loved ones.” 

Cochise Health and Social Services is available to help answer questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines, vaccine locations, and public safety recommendations. You may contact CHSS via email at Vaccine@cochise.az.gov and Publichealth@cochise.az.gov or by calling 520-432-9400, Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm. 

Original source can be found here.