Alpena, MichiganLocal Weather Alerts
There are currently no active weather alerts.

Local health officials recommend vaccination for children 12 and over returning to school

ALPENA, Mich. —  Local health officials are recommending parents add a COVID-19 vaccination to their child’s back to school list. District Health Department No. 4 said depending on the first day of school, children ages 12 and over who receive their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine within the next few weeks can be fully vaccinated before school starts. It takes five weeks to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

“Currently, vaccination is the best tool we have to protect ourselves and those around us from COVID-19. This is also true for children 12 years and older. Under current guidelines, fully vaccinated children exposed to a COVID-19 positive person would not be recommended to quarantine unless they begin to show symptoms, ” said Devin Spivey, community health director and epidemiologist. “As we start a new school year, this could mean less disruption for families and peace of mind for parents who have children that participate in extracurricular activities such as sports or band,” Spivey said.

The health department is encouraging parents to talk to their healthcare provider about COVID-19 vaccine for their children. Parents can make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination at DHD4 by calling 1-800-221-0294.