The Pennsylvania Department of Health has announced that vaccine providers across the state can begin providing COVID-19 vaccinations for children six months and older as of early last week.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved the use of a three-dose Pfizer vaccine for children under five years old and a two-dose Moderna vaccine for children under six years old. Both vaccines are approved for children as young as six months.
“The approval of the vaccines for young children across the state and the nation is welcome news for many parents who have been waiting for the opportunity to provide valuable protection for their children from COVID-19,” Acting Health Secretary and Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said in a release. “Parents can begin scheduling appointments early next week with many vaccine providers, including pediatricians and primary care physicians, who will have the vaccine available for administration as early as Tuesday (June 21).”
Dr. Mayank Amin, owner of Skippack Pharmacy, said the recent approval of the vaccines for the age group six months to five years is important because they are the last group who have not received the vaccine but have been affected by COVID-19.
“Over the past year and a half, while we have provided thousands in our community with a vaccine, we have also provided testing as well, and have noted many children as young as infants have tested positive,” Amin said. “While symptoms they may experience may be far less than someone who may be immunocompromised or a senior, the long-term effects of COVID-19 may linger and much is still not known about it. This vaccine provides an extra layer of protection to families who decide they would like their children vaccinated whether it be now or down the road.”
The department said that pharmacists across the state are only allowed to provide COVID-19 vaccines to children ages three and older, so parents seeking appointments for children under three should contact their pediatrician, family doctor or other qualified physicians.
Pfizer’s vaccine uses three micrograms per shot, which is one-tenth of what is used in the Pfizer shot for adults. Children receiving the Pfizer series of shots should receive the second dose three weeks after the first, and the third shot eight weeks after the second shot.
Moderna’s second shot should be administered 28 days after the first dose. Moderna’s vaccine for children under six calls for 25 micrograms per shot, which is one-quarter of the dose given to adults.
Skippack Pharmacy is offering vaccine appointments at their immunization center Monday to Saturday. They have created a sensory-friendly room to help ease some of the fears children may have. They are also in the works of putting together an off-site clinic they call “Superhero Kids Clinic,” which they have done for the previous age groups as well.
In their first week of providing the vaccine for children, Amin said they had approximately 500 appointments with families. They still have hundreds of appointments booked this week and have added additional vaccinators and staff to help expedite a family’s visit and give them the best experience possible.
“Having a child who is an infant myself, a parent's biggest question is, ‘Does my child need this vaccine yet?’” Amin said. “Each family, each child, each situation may vary, and when in doubt, speak to your pediatrician to come up with an informed decision. We will continue to provide vaccines to all ages and with the holidays right around and travel peaking, getting a little boost will help many.”
Appointments can be scheduled online at www.SkippackPharmacy.com. Information about upcoming clinics will also be shared on www.FB.com/skippackrx.
See also:
COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids 5 to 11 Receive Final Endorsement from CDC
Montgomery County Now Scheduling Booster Shots for All COVID-19 Vaccines
‘Superhero’ Pharmacist Vaccinates 3,000 at North Penn High School Over Weekend
Montgomery County COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Now Serving Ages 12-15
Montgomery County Announces Walk-Up Availability At All County-Run Vaccine Clinics
