MU Health Care will offer Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine to children 5 to 11 during special vaccination events scheduled next week and with scheduled appointments in clinics beginning Nov. 15.

Pfizer’s pediatric vaccine received emergency use authorization for the 5 to 11 age group last Friday from the Food and Drug Administration, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommending its use late Tuesday. As a result, special vaccination events for children (age 5-11 only) will take place next week at South Providence Medical Park in Columbia by appointment only:

• 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 10
• 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 13

If you would like to schedule an appointment for your child, you can make one online. Second dose appointments will be scheduled 21 days after the first dose is administered. A parent or guardian will need to sign the vaccine consent form for the child.

Similar to recommendations for adults, children with a history of severe allergy to a component of the vaccine should not receive the Pfizer vaccine. However, a history of other allergic reactions does not preclude vaccination.

“This vaccine now available to younger children has gone through all of the same steps and requirements as every other vaccine, and meets all safety standards,” said MU Health Care vaccine co-chair and family medicine physician Laura Morris, MD. “By choosing to get your child vaccinated, you are protecting your child, your family and your community.”

Select MU Health Care clinics will also offer the Pfizer pediatric vaccine by appointment beginning Monday, Nov. 15. For more information and to learn about all of our vaccine options, visit muhealth.org.