As the CNMI nears 99% of its eligible population being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the focus now is on making sure that those eligible are brought \u201cup to date\u201d with their shots. <\/p>\n
Currently, over 18,600 booster shots have been administered so far, and this accounts for an estimated 50% of the CNMI\u2019s 12-and-older population.<\/p>\n
This was all learned from Heather Pangelinan, director of Population Health Services at the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp., who responded to an inquiry by Saipan Tribune yesterday. <\/p>\n
Pangelinan first noted that she anticipates the authorization of vaccines for children as young as 6 months. If authorized, this would increase the number of eligible individuals in the CNMI, and thus also decrease the current percentage. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe percentage may change once we get confirmation on vaccines for younger children. We are anticipating the authorization of vaccines for children as young as 6 months. Adding that population will expand the number of eligible individuals and would reduce the percentage of individuals fully vaccinated,\u201d said Pangelinan. <\/p>\n
According to the www.vaccinatecnmi.com dashboard, the CNMI is currently at 98.9% vaccinated. <\/p>\n
Separately, according to the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Pfizer-BioNTech\u2019s COVID-19 vaccine is currently authorized for use in individuals aged 5 and older. <\/p>\n
CDC also outlines on its website what being \u201cfully vaccinated\u201d and being \u201cup to date\u201d with your COVID-19 vaccinations means. The page, last updated on Jan. 16, 2022, defines \u201cfully vaccinated\u201d as a person having received their primary series of COVID-19 vaccines. For those who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine, this means the two initial doses. \u201cUp to date\u201d means that a person has \u201creceived all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including any booster dose(s) when eligible.\u201d<\/p>\n
The CDC also says that everyone aged 12 and older should get a booster dose five months after the last dose in their primary series. For individuals between ages 12 to 17, CDC says they should only get Pfizer-BioNTech\u2019s booster shot. Everyone 18 and older can receive Pfizer-BioNTech\u2019s or Moderna\u2019s booster shots.<\/p>\n
With many in the CNMI now \u201cfully vaccinated,\u201d the focus now is on getting those eligible in the CNMI \u201cup to date.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOur focus for now, since we are close to the 99% fully vaccinated rate, is to ensure that everyone eligible for booster shots are brought up to date with the recommendation for booster doses. \u2026The CHCC will continue to promote and expand access to booster doses for everyone in the CNMI eligible,\u201d said Pangelinan. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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