Covid-19 Vaccination News

This is a virtual session bringing together Louisianans who have engaged in COVID-19 outreach, education, and vaccination efforts to share what has worked and not worked, discuss best practices, and ideas for the future.

Dr. Paulette Grey Riveria, regional medical director for the Louisiana Department of Health's Capital Region Office of Public Health, recently recognized the Louisiana National Guard for its service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CDC now recommends children ages 5-11 should receive a booster shot five months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech series.

Dr. Gina Lagarde was recognized for her work in coordinating the Region 9 COVID-19 response over the past two years during a recent ceremony. Dr. Lagarde is responsible for overall daily public health needs in Region 9, which encompasses Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington parishes.

LANG, Pafford and OPH staff collectively performed 65,000 COVID-19 tests and administered 55,000 vaccines in Region 6's eight parishes including Rapides, Vernon, Winn, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, Avoyelles and LaSalle.

Dr. Lacey Cavanaugh, regional medical director for the Southwest Office of Public Health, was recently recognized by the Louisiana National Guard with its Distinguished Civilian Service Award for her work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kayla Guerrero coordinates COVID community testing and vaccination centers in the south-central parishes of Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary and Terrebonne.

Following the Food and Drug Administration's authorization, people 50 years old and above and people 12 years old and above with moderate or severe immunosuppression are now eligible for a second booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. The second booster dose should be given at least 4 months after administration of one's first booster dose.

Sites affected include Lafayette Parish Health Unit Clifton Chenier Complex and St. Martin Parish Health Unit.

Gov. Edwards: "I want to be clear that just because the proclamation is expiring doesn't mean COVID is over. If the circumstances call for it, I will not hesitate to declare another emergency."