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.

Vaccine Information Flyer Icon, leads to pdf

More flyers and handouts

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 PFIZER VACCINE is the first COVID-19 vaccine authorized for use in children ages 5-11 and children 12-17. The dose for children 5-11 is about 1/3 the size of dose given to residents 12 and older. Numerous clinical studies have shown that dose to create a similar immune response to COVID-19 as seen in adults, and it has been found to be more than 90 percent effective in preventing a COVID-19 infection.

While children are less likely to end up with severe health effects from COVID-19, 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.

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, 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. Most cases of MIS-C occur in 5-11-year-olds.

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.

*Sources: CDC, FDA, AAP, Impact4HC

Booster Doses

Booster Dose Flyer

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 all adults. This third dose helps give people an extra boost in the fight against COVID-19 and is recommended for everyone 18 and older. 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?

If you started a two dose mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) your first and second dose should be the same vaccine brand. However, a booster dose can be any COVID-19 vaccine approved in the United States by the FDA. This means, if you started with Johnson and Johnson your booster dose can be Pfizer. Or if you started with an mRNA vaccine your booster dose can be Johnson and Johnson. Learn more about choosing a COVID-19 vaccine booster here.

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.