Madison County is planning COVID vaccination clinics for children. Here’s what we know

The Madison County Health Department on Friday announced the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5-11 years old.

The only manufacturer currently approved through an Emergency Use Authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine for this age group is Pfizer-BioNTech.

Madison County Health Department’s vaccine clinics will begin including individuals aged 5-11 on Wednesday, Nov. 10. A parent or guardian must accompany minors 17 and under. All vaccinations are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment at MCHD, visit www.madisonchd.org and click the green “Appointments for Vaccines are Open” button or call 618-692-8954 ext. 2.

The new COVID-19 vaccine for kids 5-11 years old is also available at several other locations throughout Madison County, a press release said. Several pediatrician offices have the vaccine or anticipate receiving it soon.

Some offices will give the vaccine to people who are not their current patients. A list of pediatrician offices in Madison County known to have the vaccine is available at https://coronavirus-vaccine-outreach-madcoil.hub.arcgis.com/pages/covid-19-vaccine-appointment-scheduler.

Local pharmacies will be receiving the new vaccine soon as well. Residents should check with their local pharmacy for availability and scheduling.

Many locations offering the new pediatric (kids 5-11 years old) vaccine also have the COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 12 years and older. If people would like to get the vaccine or need their booster, they should check with the location to see if they can schedule their vaccine for the same time as their 5-11 year old’s vaccine.

People do not need to go to the same place for their booster that they received their original doses.

This story was originally published November 5, 2021 at 5:08 PM.