The COVID-19 vaccination program for 5-11 year olds is now underway in the Three Rivers Health District, using the Pfizer vaccine in medical offices and schools. No local vaccine clinics had been scheduled for young children as of Tuesday morning.

According to a press release from Three Rivers Health District Medical Director Dr. Richard Williams, the vaccine is 90.7 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 5-11, whose immune response to the vaccine is comparable to that of individuals 16 to 25 years of age.

The vaccine is also safe, said Williams. It was studied in 3,100 5-11 year-olds with no serious side effects.

The flu vaccine is also now widely available, said Williams, and he urged everyone to get a flu shot, since flu season this year “is likely to be far more severe than we saw last year.” He said there is no problem getting both the flu vaccine and the COVID vaccine at the same time.

A flu clinic will be held from 3-5:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 12, ...