Children ages 5-11 can now get COVID-19 vaccinations, and about 20 clinics and pharmacies in Kitsap County have ordered supplies of Pfizer vaccine for this age group.

Nearly 7,000 doses were approved for delivery to the county last week. If you are looking for an appointment the Kitsap Public Health District recommends starting with your regular healthcare provider. Appointments are full for the district’s clinic set for Nov. 12.

The district plans to offer additional clinics for this age group through November.

Misinformation and disinformation (intentionally misleading content) regarding COVID vaccination for children is rampant online. In checking for accuracy, consider the credibility of the source; check when the information was published; make sure it’s current because more is learned about COVID all the time; check references for expertise; and check if the information was reviewed by a medical professional.

KPHD says the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine was demonstrated in clinical trials and affirmed by panels of medical and vaccine experts at the federal and state levels prior to authorization.

Meanwhile, KPHD wants information from adults age 18 and older on how they feel about the vaccinations to help inform them moving forward. KPHD is particularly interested in talking with those 19-34 years old, from the Black and African American communities, and from Latinx communities. Participants will be compensated for their time. If interested email at covid vaccine@kitsappublichealth.org or call 360-728-2219.

As of Nov. 2, 76% of Kitsap residents 12 and older have received at least one COVID vaccine, and 70% are fully vaccinated. More than 175,500 Kitsap residents have received at least one dose of vaccine. Statewide 79% of Washingtonians 12 and older have received at least one dose of vaccine, and 73% are fully vaccinated.

314 COVID cases were reported countywide in the most-recent week with full data available (ending Oct. 30): 12 cases on Bainbridge Island, 53 in North Kitsap, 87 in Bremerton, 57 in Central Kitsap and 104 in South Kitsap with one undetermined.

Kitsap County’s rate of cases per 100,000 population over seven days was 113 as of Nov. 5. The rate of cases reported in Kitsap has decreased substantially since mid-September, but COVID transmission remains at a “high” level, according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.