South Central Public Health District

It is normal to have questions and be cautious about something so new. Let us help you find answers supported by scientific research.

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective, and free. It is an important tool in the fight against the spread of disease in our communities. If you'd like to set an appointment in one of the health district offices please call 208-737-5966.

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A vaccine for COVID-19 is only one of the ways to stop the spread of the disease. Because the vaccine is not 100 percent effective it is still important to take precautions to help limit the spread of COVID-19. This includes wearing a face mask in large groups and around people who are not vaccinated, staying at least 6-feet away from people who are not vaccinated, washing your hands often, and staying home if you are sick.

A COVID-19 hotline is available every business day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help answer questions and provide assistance to residents who do not use computers:

Number for the English line: (208) 737-1138
Para cualquier pregunta llame al (208) 737-5965

COVID-19 Vaccines for Children

The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older and boosters for everyone 5 years and older, if eligible.

While children are less likely to end up with severe health effects from the COVID-19 virus, unfortunately it isn't rare for a child to end up in the hospital with symptoms. In the United States along, several hundred children have died from this disease. Getting vaccinated can help boost your child's immune system so they can better fight the COVID-19 virus.Learn more.

A rare side effect has been seen in a small percentage of boys, 12-17, who have received the vaccine. Learn more here. No serious side effects were found in children 5-11 who received the vaccine within the 2 month monitoring period after the clinical trials. Learn more about the clinical trials and safety research here.

Click here for a downloadable pdf showing local case data for children 5 to 11 years old, answers to commonly asked questions, information about the vaccine review process, and more.

Facts about the COVID-19 vaccine for children:

FACT:

More than 1.9 million 5 to 11-year-olds in the U.S. have been infected with COVID-19, and more than 8,300 have been hospitalized. COVID-19 ranks in the top 10 for leading cause of death for this age group since 2020.

FACT:

Surveys show that at least 1 in 12 children who have had the COVID-19 infection have lingering symptoms.FACT: COVID-19 has led to loss of crucial in-person learning for children. Widespread vaccination allows schools to remain open and children to safely learn in person.

FACT:

Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) is a severe COVID-19 complication that affects multiple organs.

FACT:

COVID-19 cases in kids have increased dramatically since the Delta variant, and the COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against Delta and other variants. Cases in kids often increase in the fall, alongside winter respiratory illnesses like the flu.

*Sources: CDC, FDA, AAP, Impact4HC

Booster Doses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have authorized and recommended booster doses for Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and the Pfizer/BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine for most age groups. These additional doses help give people an extra boost in the fight against COVID-19 and are recommended for everyone 5 and older, if eligible. Booster doses are especially important for people who are frequently exposed to the disease in their job, or who may be at higher risk because of age, illness, or medication.

The booster dose is recommended because this virus continues to circulate so quickly and aggressively. It is not a sign the vaccine isn't working, rather it is an extra tool to help protect you when your immune system can't keep up.

Do I have to get the same vaccine I started with?

Three COVID-19 vaccines are used in the United States to prevent COVID-19. Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna (COVID-19 mRNA vaccines) are preferred. You may get Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine in some situations. Learn more about choosing a COVID-19 vaccine booster here.

As of September, 2022, the CDC recommends an updated bivalent (two strain) booster dose for everyone 12 and older. This dose provides protection against the original COVID-19 strain as well as the Omicron substrains. Omicron continues to be the most common COVID-19 strain spreading in the United States. The bivalent booster vaccine is available in SCPHD clinics and from many other local providers.

How can I get a booster dose?

Most providers offering COVID-19 vaccines will also provide a booster dose. Start with the provider who gave your your first or second dose. If they are not able to provide you with vaccine, reach out to the health district office nearest you to sign up for an appointment.

Learn more about booster doses here.