Colorado CVS Pharmacies Offering COVID-19 Vaccines For Ages 5-11

DENVER, CO — United States health officials gave the final clearance Tuesday for COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5 to 11, and some Colorado CVS pharmacies are already accepting appointments for the age group.

Appointments, which are set to begin Sunday, are already filling up quickly at seven Colorado CVS vaccination sites.

Parental or legal guardian consent is required, and children must be accompanied by an adult, the company said. You can sign your child up to receive the vaccine at a local CVS site here.

"CVS vaccinators in these locations have also received additional training on managing pediatric vaccinations to help ensure the best experience for children and their families," the company said in a news release.

"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. 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."

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The Food and Drug Administration already cleared the vaccine dose for kids ages 5 to 11, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave the final signoff on Tuesday. An advisory panel unanimously decided to give the green light for the kids' dose, which is a third of the dose given to adults.

"Finally, we have full federal approval of the COVID-19 vaccine for children," Gov. Jared Polis said in a statement released Tuesday evening.

"Now our youngest Coloradans can finally have the protection they need and deserve to stay safe from the COVID-19 virus. By getting this shot, our kids can enjoy in-person learning with their teachers and classmates without fear of getting sick. Our kids can go back to being kids!"

The state launched a new web page with information and resources about COVID-19 vaccinations in this age group.