As COVID-19 vaccination guidance continually evolves, local health officials remind families that vaccines remain available for all age groups — including infants and children — through the SEK Multi-County Health Department and any other providers that routinely offer vaccinations.
Becky Johnson, administrator of the SEK Multi-County Health Department, addressed confusion about vaccines, particularly those for young children.
Johnson said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently shifted from recommending virtually everyone get a COVID-19 vaccine, to only those 65 and older. For everyone else, the CDC is advising Americans to consult a health care provider to determine if the vaccine is right for them.
One notable update to vaccine guidelines this year is that Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is no longer authorized for children ages 6 months to 4 years. Moderna is currently the only FDA-approved option for that age group.
VACCINE TURNOUT this season has been lower than expected, noted Johnson.
“There haven’t been as many as I thought there would be,” she said. Many people, she added, seem to be wishing for convenience. “I think a lot of people would like to have the two vaccines combined at this point,” she said.
Though the COVID vaccination guidelines now emphasize personal choice, Johnson still encourages families to protect themselves and their children when eligible. “If they’re able to, I would recommend it,” she said. She also stressed the importance of staying up-to-date on other respiratory illness protections. “Especially getting the flu vaccine, because last year was the worst flu season that we’ve seen in over a decade,” she said.
Johnson added that pregnant mothers, infants, and older adults should consider the RSV vaccine as well.
As for what changed most in this year’s COVID-19 recommendations, Johnson said the primary difference was waiting for federal bodies to finalize language. “We had to wait a long time to receive our guidelines,” she explained. The CDC ultimately moved towards language like “shared clinical decision-making.” In other words, the decision to vaccinate remains personal — but informed by evidence and professional guidance.
Johnson says COVID-19 vaccines remain available, accessible, and adaptable to individual needs across all age groups at the SEK Multi-County Health Department and other standard vaccination sites. She urges residents to talk with healthcare providers, weigh personal risks, and stay protected as respiratory illness season continues.
The Multi-County Health Department accepts walk-ins, though appointments may help reduce wait times. “They could stop in, or if they wanted to schedule a time, that might be better for them,” Johnson said.
Office hours for Allen, Anderson and Bourbon counties are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday. The office closes for lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m., daily. The Woodson County office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and closed for lunch from noon to 1 p.m., daily.
The Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (CHC/SEK) is also offering COVID, flu, and other vaccinations to community members.
“It’s important to get your flu vaccine annually, because each year’s version includes the viruses expected to be most common,” said Dr. Linda Bean, CHC/SEK Chief Medical Officer. “If you get your vaccination now, you’ll be able to build up immunity before flu season peaks in the winter.”
CHC/SEK offers vaccinations on a walk-in basis at all clinics in Kansas. No appointment is necessary, and financial assistance is available.
For more information on the vaccination services CHC/SEK provides, visit chcsek.org/our-communities.
