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Gary health commissioner urges COVID-19 vaccination as eligibility expands to young children

Frank Augstein/AP

COVID-19 vaccines for kids as young as six months are now available from the Gary Health Department. Gary Health Commissioner Dr. Roland Walker gave an update on the city's fight against the coronavirus Tuesday.

"The Gary Health Department has received their shipment of vaccines as of today, so you can get your child as young as six months vaccinated for COVID-19. I strongly, strongly encourage you to do so," Walker said.

Walker said things are improving, with hospitalizations and deaths trending downward. But he stressed that the pandemic hasn't ended, and infection rates remain high at large indoor events.

"Those include graduation parties — this is graduation season, weddings — this is wedding season, funerals, July 4th parties. So we strongly encourage you in indoor settings to wear a mask and to socially distance. That is the best way. And make sure you get vaccinated before attending these events," Walker said.

He added that the vaccines have proven themselves to be safe, and the danger to yourself or your family members is much higher if you're unvaccinated.

Gary continues to see about eight to 10 COVID cases a day, but Walker said the actual number is probably higher. He encouraged anyone who tests positive at home to share their results with public health officials.

A complete list of vaccination locations can be found at OurShot.IN.gov.

Michael Gallenberger is a news reporter and producer that hosts All Things Considered on 89.1 FM | Lakeshore Public Media.