BLOOMINGTON: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved COVID-19 Pfizer vaccinations for children ages 5 – 11 on 11/2/2021, following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent authorization and amendment of its vaccine emergency use authorization (EUA).
“This is another way to protect our children,” says Penny Caudill, administrator of the Monroe County Health Department. “This gets us one step closer to reducing the need for masks in schools.”
The Pfizer pediatric dose series is similar to adults, in that it contains two doses of the vaccine given 21 days apart. However, the pediatric dose is smaller and only contains 1/3 of the dose given to those age 12 and older.
According to the FDA, the Pfizer vaccine was found to be 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children aged 5 through 11. During the study, side effects following vaccination were reported to be mild to moderate and similar to those experienced by adults: sore arm, headache, fatigue, fever, muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, nausea, and decreased appetite.
“Super Shot” Clinics
The Monroe County Public Health Clinic, a partnership between the Monroe County Health Department and IU Health Bloomington Hospital, will work with local school systems to hold “Super Shot” Clinics to provide COVID-19 vaccine to any child age 5-11, no matter where they attend school. Visit www.vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov and watch for the registration at the Super Shot sites to open to make an appointment.
- Edgewood Primary School, 7700 W. Reeves Road, Bloomington, IN 47404
- Thursday, November 18, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 9, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. (2nd dose)
- Bloomington High School South Cafeteria
- Saturday, November 20, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 11, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 pm (2nd dose)
Public health nurses will work with schools to hold COVID-19 vaccination clinics during the school day at the school’s request. Parents should check with their child’s school for more information and the required vaccination consent forms.
Other Options:
The whole family can get vaccinated for COVID-19 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway parking lot. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) site is open Tuesday – Fridays, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. until 11/20/21. Visit www.vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov to register and make an appointment.
COVID-19 vaccinations for children will be available at local pharmacies as well at mobile clinics provided by IDOH. Information on participating pharmacies and mobile clinics can be found on the IDOH coronavirus webpage at www.ourshot.in.gov. Children will also be able to get a COVID-19 vaccination while visiting their pediatrician for routine care.
For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1102-PediatricCOVID-19Vaccine.html.
