Dear Friend --

Starting this coming Friday, Nov. 5, parents will have the opportunity to vaccinate their children against COVID-19. The Long Beach Health Department will begin offering the Pfizer vaccine to children ages 5 to 11 years old. This is great news for our city and better positions us to end this health crisis.

Thank you to all those who have already received the vaccine. Because of you, our city's adult population is nearly 82% vaccinated. And with everyone in Long Beach 5 and older soon able to receive the vaccine, that means 93% of our entire city's total population will be able to receive this life-saving shot.

The vaccine given to those 5 to 11 will be a lower dose of the Pfizer vaccine than what is given to those 12 and older. The vaccine for kids 5 to 11 will also be a two-dose course with 21 days between first and second doses.

Those ages 5 to 11 can receive a vaccine at the following City-run vaccine sites:

• Houghton Park (6301 N. Myrtle Ave.)
  • From 1 to 5 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays
• LBCC Pacific Coast Campus (Orange Ave. at PCH)
  • From 4 to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays
• LBCC Veterans Stadium (5000 E. Lew Davis St.)
  • From 2 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays
• Cabrillo High School (2001 Santa Fe Ave.)
  • From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays

Everyone under the age of 18 will need parental consent in order to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The consent form is available online here.

Appointments for vaccination are strongly encouraged. Starting Thursday, November 4, people may visit myturn.ca.gov or call 562-570-4636 to make an appointment.

We have never been in a better position to finally end this pandemic for our community. If you or a loved one have been hesitant to get vaccinated, now is the time for everyone eligible to do their part and protect our city's health.

Thank you and Go Long Beach,

Mayor Robert Garcia