Youths as young as 12 are now eligible for COVID-19 vaccine

The eligibility to receive the COVID-19 vaccine has been lowered to those age 12 and older, Riverside County Health Department officials announced today.

This change follows new federal and state health recommendations that became effective today, according to a County news release. This opens vaccine eligibility to more than 140,000 Riverside County youngsters.

“This expansion to those as young as 12 opens up another segment of the community and brings up closer to the goal of herd immunity,” said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, public health officer for Riverside County. “It is more critical than ever to make sure parents and guardians have confidence in vaccines because they are the ones deciding whether their children will get vaccinated.”

Those who 12 and older and are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to get vaccinated. Moderna and the Johnson and Johnson vaccine are available to those who are 18 years and older.

The nearest County-run vaccine location on a daily basis continues to be Heritage High School. To make an appointment at any County facility, click www.rivcoph.org/covid-19-vaccine and register. Those needing assistance making an appointment can call 2-1-1 or 951-358-5000.