Riverside County offering Pfizer Covid-19 shots to residents 12 and older

UPDATE:

Parents with their children were among those showing up Thursday at the Palm Springs Convention Center to receive the Covid-19 shot. 

Among them, Cathedral City resident Colin Sands who turns 16 Friday.

"I think it's a good opportunity to reach herd immunity," said Sands. 

The shots for this younger age group are happening now after a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine advisory committee issued a recommendation Wednesday for using the two dose vaccine in children as young as 12. 

In California, 2.1 million children are between the age of 12 and 15. 

In Riverside County, that number is 140,000

That includes 13-year-old Cathedral City resident Jacinda Dinero, who talked about why she's getting the shot.

"We want to get it because my dad is a healthcare worker and like we travel a lot," said Dinero. 

County residents 12 and older who are eligible for the Pfizer Covid-19 shot are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian in order to receive the shot.

Cathedral City parent of four Karla Diaz is a mail carrier who got the shot.

She says she's not sure if her 12-year-old should get it, but says she might let her child make the final decision. 

"Really I heard it doesn't affect them that is why we're kind of hesitant on wether to get the shot or not," said Diaz. 

Riverside County public health officials are encouraging parents and guardians to allow their children to receive the shot.

"So there is definitely a concern there from parents who want to get their children protected, they want to make sure their children are able to integrate," said Senior Public Information Specialist Shane Reichardt. 

You can find locations in the county where the shots are being administered, including major pharmacies, by using the link below. 

INITIAL REPORT:

Riverside County public health officials announced Thursday that the Pfizer Covid-19 shot is now available to be administered to county residents ages 12 and up.

Details are included in press release from County Public Heath officials.

“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.”

According to the release, those 12 and older – who 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.

Visit www.rivcoph.org/covid-19-vaccine to review locations for vaccination clinics around the county. Many are now accepting walk-ins, so no appointment is necessary. Those needing assistance making an appointment can call 2-1-1.

Today News Channel 3 will reach to county officials to learn more about the effort to vaccinate people 12 and older. We'll also look to speak with parents who are having their children vaccinated.

Catch the full story online later today and tonight on-air on News Channel 3 at 5:00.