On May 10, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded the Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer vaccine to prevent COVID-19 to include adolescents 12 to 15 years of age. In reaching this decision, FDA concluded that the known and potential benefits of the Pfizer vaccine in individuals 12 years of age and older outweighed its known and potential risks. Accordingly, the FDA amended the EUA issued December 11, 2020, for administration in individuals 16 years of age and older, to include the younger age group.
The Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) convened yesterday, May 12, 2021, to review the FDA’s decision for authorization and to evaluate the evidence for its use. ACIP recommended the vaccine for use in this population, and the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup convened later yesterday evening and endorsed the ACIP’s recommendation.
Starting Thursday, May 13, youth 12–15 years of age in Oregon are eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The Jackson County Vaccination Equity Center at the Expo will begin vaccinating youth 12-15 beginning May 14. Register for an appointment at JacksonCounty.org/GetVaccinated or call 211. Appointments are encouraged, but they are not required.
Parental or guardian consent is required to vaccinate people 12–14 years old; a parent or guardian needs to be present with the youth during their vaccination appointment at the Jackson County Vaccination Center at the Expo and sign the needed documents. If a parent or guardian cannot be present, another adult can accompany with written consent from the parent/guardian. Under Oregon law, minors 15 years of age and older may consent to medical treatment, including vaccinations, when provided by a physician, physician assistant, naturopath, nurse practitioner, dentist or optometrist, or other professionals operating under the license of these providers.
Potential side effects after receiving the Pfizer vaccine are the same in youth as they are in older people, although side effects are more common in youth. Most people develop some soreness at the injection site. Fatigue and headache are common. Less common are muscle aches, chills, joint pain, vomiting, or fever. Most resolve after a day or two.
Daily Case Information
As of 12:01 am on May 13, 2021, Jackson County Public Health reports 40 new COVID-19 cases. Additionally, two previously reported cases were removed from the COVID-19 case total. This brings the total COVID-19 cases in Jackson County to 10,862.
COVID-19 Related Deaths
Jackson County Public Health reports 1 new COVID-19 deaths, bringing the total to 139 since the beginning of the pandemic.
Jackson County's 139 th COVID-19 death is a 54-year-old man who tested positive on May 1 and died on May 11 at Rogue Regional Medical Center. They had underlying health conditions.
COVID-19 Workplace Outbreak
The Oregon Health Authority reports workplace outbreaks that have a minimum of 30 workers with at least 5 associated cases of COVID-19. This includes workers and their close contacts (e.g., household members, family, and friends). Workplace outbreaks can be found in the Oregon Health Authority's Weekly Outbreak Report. Please reference this report for updated information on workplace outbreaks.
Jackson County Public Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak associated with Camping World. Jackson County Public Health began investigating this as a potential outbreak on May 3, 2021. At this time, there are 9 cases linked to this outbreak. This is an ongoing investigation.
Jackson County Public Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak associated with Empowered Life Church. Jackson County Public Health began investigating this as a potential outbreak on May 3, 2021. At this time, there are 13 cases linked to this outbreak. This is an ongoing investigation.
Jackson County Public Health is investigating a COVID-19 outbreak associated with Highway Products, Inc. Jackson County Public Health began investigating this as a potential outbreak on May 5, 2021. At this time, there are 8 cases linked to this outbreak. This is an ongoing investigation.
Jackson County Vaccination Equity Center at the Expo:
The Jackson County Equity Vaccination Center at the Expo is available to everyone that needs a COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone 16 years and older is eligible to get vaccinated. The vaccine is free, and people do not need to bring ID or insurance information. The Vaccination Equity Center is a safe place, accessible to all, regardless of legal status. Language interpreters and support for disabilities are available.
Register for an appointment at JacksonCounty.org/GetVaccinated or call 211. Appointments are encouraged, but they are not required.
Vaccination Options at the Jackson County Vaccination Equity Center:
- Walk-through Moderna Site (for individuals 18 years and older)
- Vaccine: Moderna
- Operation Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
- No appointment required
- Drive-Through Pfizer Site (for individuals 16 years and older)
- Vaccine: Pfizer
- Operation Hours: Sunday- Saturday
- Wednesday and Thursday: 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- All other days: 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- No appointment required
For more information: