CVS Begins COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling For Ages 5-11

PHOENIX, AZ — Select CVS Pharmacies across the nation, including 15 in Arizona, are accepting appointments for children ages 5-11 to receive COVID-19 vaccinations.

CVS pharmacies will begin vaccinations of the 5-11 age group on Sunday, as long as the stores receive vaccine supplies in time. Parental or legal guardian consent is required for vaccination and children must be accompanied by an adult, according to a news release from CVS.

Parents can schedule an appointment at CVS.com or through the CVS Pharmacy app. Once the child's age is entered, the scheduling tool will only show locations that can administer the vaccine to ages 5-11. The only COVID-19 vaccine approved for that age group is the Pfizer vaccine.

CVS Health had given around 43 million COVID-19 vaccines as of Wednesday and started administering the COVID-19 vaccine to those 12 and older after the Food and Drug Administration authorized it earlier this year.

The same as for all COVID-19 vaccinations, children and their parent or guardian will have to remain in the pharmacy area for at least 15 minutes for observation after the vaccination.

CVS Pharmacy locations chosen to give the vaccine to ages 5-11 were selected because they have dedicated vaccinators on site. These vaccinators underwent special training on managing pediatric vaccinations.

"In addition, CVS Health is developing an in-store experience focused on reassuring and supporting the child and their parent or guardian throughout the process," CVS said in its press release. "This includes the introduction of various child-friendly elements in the coming weeks designed to help motivate and reward the children and help keep them entertained during the post-vaccination observation period."