September 17, 2021 Louisiana Department of Health confirms sixth pediatric death from COVID-19 in state's fourth surge

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Sep 17, 2021 - Today, the Louisiana Department of Health sadly confirms the death of a child younger than 18 during the fourth surge of COVID-19 in the state. The Louisiana Department of Health today reports 52 deaths from COVID, including this child.

The child was between the ages of 5 and 11. No further information will be released on this death.

This brings the total of pediatric deaths during this fourth surge to 6. In total, 15 children younger than 18 have died from COVID in Louisiana.

"For the sixth time since this fourth COVID surge began, we mourn the loss of a child. Every life lost is a tragedy," said Dr. Joseph Kanter, State Health Officer. "Our young children who are not eligible to get the vaccine rely on us to protect them, and the best way we can do that is to get the vaccine and wear a mask."

How to get a COVID vaccine in Louisiana

Everyone age 12 and older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana. The FDA has fully authorized Pfizer’s Comirnaty COVID-19 vaccine for everyone ages 16 and older. The Pfizer vaccine for those between the ages of 12 and 15 remains under emergency use authorization. Parents should confirm with the vaccine provider that their child is under 18 to ensure the Pfizer vaccine is available before making an appointment.

• COVID-19 vaccines are widely available at more than 1,400 locations in all of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, including at pharmacies, hospitals, healthcare clinics and doctor’s offices.
• For a list of locations, visit LDH’s vaccine directory or visit vaccines.gov, which is maintained by the federal government.
• Please note that some sites may be temporarily inactive due to Hurricane Ida. Before you go, check with the site you intend to visit to ensure that it is open.
• To get a list of vaccine locations near you text your ZIP code to GETVAX (438829) in English, or VACUNA (822862) in Spanish.

If you have questions, would like to speak with a medical professional or need help scheduling an appointment, call 211 or Louisiana’s vaccine hotline at 1-855-453-0774.