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As the coronavirus pandemic continues on and vaccination efforts ramp up, there has been progress with vaccinating younger individuals in Dallas County. 

Dallas County Health Department Public Information Officer Ann Cochran says health officials are seeing a range of vaccination thoughts when it comes to parents vaccinating the now included younger age group of 12-15-year-olds. 

“Our observations are that there are parents who have jumped on this right away. We are wondering if some are waiting until school is out rather than take their child out of school for a doctor appointment one last week of school.”

Also, with the recent elimination of the mask mandate by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for school districts, counties and cities, Cochran says people who feel more comfortable wearing a mask should continue to do so. 

“Now that masks will not be mandated that does not mean that they are being banned. So, if you feel that your child has some special health needs or you just continue to be concerned it is perfectly okay for you to have your child wear a mask.”

Cochran tells Raccoon Valley Radio the Pfizer vaccine is now available for all those who are age 12 and over. She notes the Pfizer vaccine is readily available for anyone who wants one and some providers are now doing walk-in appointments.