The San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency Wednesday reported its second pediatric death from COVID-19, a 15-year-old girl who died Feb. 3.
The teen had underlying medical conditions, and had not been vaccinated, the HHSA reported.
“Pediatric deaths are very tragic and unfortunate. Our condolences go out to the family and friends of this young girl,” said Dr. Wilma Wooten, county public health officer. “This unfortunate death reminds us that COVID-19 can impact anyone, regardless of age or gender, and we must do everything to protect ourselves and our loved ones.”
The county’s first pediatric fatality from COVID-19 was a 10-year-old boy with underlying medical conditions, health officials reported in February.
In addition to deaths, the pediatric age group is at risk for developing Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, a rare but serious condition associated with COVID-19 in which different body parts become inflamed. A total of 96 MIS-C cases have been reported in San Diego County since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
In San Diego County, 94% of residents eligible — age 5 and older — have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Around 84% of those 12-17 have gotten at least one dose. The percentage drops to about 43% for those between the ages of 5 and 11.
The California Department of Public Health is undertaking a nine-week vaccination campaign with local community organizations and pediatric medical providers to get children age 5 and up vaccinated against COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccinations will be offered at after-school programs, libraries, local parks and other recreational areas.
“The more people who are vaccinated, the better protected we all will be,” Wooten said.
City News Service contributed to this article.