Shasta is one of at least four North State counties opening COVID-19 vaccine appointments to children ages 12 and up.
This change comes after the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup recommended the use of the Pfizer vaccine for those as young as 12 on Wednesday.
Shasta County health officials say it is critical to begin vaccinating children. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, child cases are at an all-time high, representing 22% of new COVID-19 cases nationwide.
Child cases only made up 3% of new cases this time last year. The Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines are still available for ages 18 and older across the state.
Shasta County announced a series of vaccination clinics for those 12 and up every Sunday and Monday for the rest of May.
For a list of upcoming vaccine appointments in Shasta County, visit Shastaready.org. Appointments can also be scheduled on myturn.ca.gov.