Parents of little ones who desire to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19 will soon be able to in Chautauqua County.

The county Health Department has announced it will be holding two vaccine clinics for individuals 6 months and up. The clinics will be held at:

¯ Jamestown Community College on July 13 and Aug. 10 from 3-6 p.m. at the Carnahan Building — 241 James Ave., Jamestown.

¯ SUNY Fredonia on July 14 and Aug. 11 from 3-6 p.m. at Steele Hall Natatorium Lobby — 280 Central Ave., Fredonia.

Everyone must pre-register for the clinics at bit.ly/CHQCOVIDVax. Those who need assistance with registration are asked to call 1-866-604-6789 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Parent or legal guardian consent is required for the vaccination of minors. If a parent or guardian is unable to accompany their child, they can designate another adult to consent on their behalf in writing, which must include the name and date of birth of the child, the name and signature of the parent/guardian, and the name of designee. Photo identification and masks will be required.

“We have seen a range of symptoms, from very mild to serious illness in children who have been infected with COVID-19 including some cases requiring hospitalization,” said Christine Schuyler, county public health director. “Vaccination is the best way to protect our children, friends, and families from COVID-19 infection, and the potentially severe disease, disability and death that the infection can lead to.”

The county Health Department clinics will offer the Moderna vaccine for all age groups. Moderna is a two-shot series with the second dose occurring four weeks after the first dose.

COVID-19 vaccines are also available at the Health Department’s Mayville office by appointment, and parents may also contact their pediatrician, family health care provider, or pharmacist to inquire about the vaccine. A list of pharmacies that provide the vaccine to this population will be maintained on the county website, chqgov.com, and updated as they become aware of any changes.

As of Wednesday, there were no pharmacies listed that offered vaccine for children under 3 years of age. There were four pharmacies in Jamestown that offered vaccine for children 3 years and older and two others in Dunkirk. A note on the county website states that appointments are required for children ages 3-5.

Chautauqua County’s community level spread is classified as a low. According to the county’s COVID-19 dashboard, as of Wednesday there were three people who were hospitalized due to COVID-19. The county’s seven-day positivity rate was 8.9%.

As of Wednesday, slightly more than 70% of the county’s population over the age of 5 have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. For those 12 years or older, 74.1% of county residents have received at least one dose; 75.8% of those 18 or older, and 95% of those 65 or over, have at least one dose.