BISMARCK – The North Dakota Department of Health is recommending all adolescents aged 12 to 17 be vaccinated in keeping with new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance.

On Monday, the Food and Drug Administration authorized emergency use of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in 12- through 15-year-old adolescents, prompting recommendations from the CDC, Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and American Academy of Pediatrics that all youths be vaccinated.

In North Dakota, there have been 20 hospitalizations in children ages 12 to 17. There has been one reported death of a 17-year-old in North Dakota. Children with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or obesity, may be more likely to develop severe illness.

To date, eight cases of multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) have been reported in North Dakota. Children who develop MIS-C have inflammation in their bodies and problems with many organs, such as the intestines, heart, brain, lungs, skin and kidneys. These children may face ongoing health issues due to heart or other organ damage.

In addition to the risk posed by MIS-C, COVID-19 spread among children has been increasing in North Dakota. The number of children ages 12 to 17 who have tested positive for COVID-19 is 13%. The number of cases among this age group grew by 38% during March and April this year.

In this age group, 41% of the cases were reported as community spread and 36% were household spread.

“Research is beginning to show that children who contract COVID-19 are at increased risk for experiencing long-term symptoms. While there is not a lot of data available regarding the long-term impact that COVID-19 has on children, some new research is emerging,” said Immunization Program Director Molly Howell with the health department.

A recent study in the United Kingdom found that children can have prolonged symptoms of COVID-19, including fatigue, headache, muscle/joint pain, rashes, heart palpitations, cognitive impairment, including lack of concentration and short-term memory problems. A study of COVID-19 in children in Italy also revealed that more than half of the children observed had long-lasting symptoms.

“COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to be a safe and effective way to protect children and families from the unknown ramifications of COVID-19, which can be long term and for some, life-threatening,” said Howell. “Adults and children who choose to get a vaccine are taking an important step toward protecting their health and the health of those around them.”

Vaccines are available through area health care providers, local public health, pharmacies and health department pop-up clinics. Visit www.health.nd.gov/together for information regarding the vaccine and to find vaccine providers. If additional help is needed, contact the health department’s COVID-19 hotline from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, at 866-207-2880.