Wellstar Opens Pediatric COVID-19 Vaccination Centers

EAST COBB, GA — Wellstar Health System has started administering COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11 at two centers, including one in East Cobb.

Wellstar began offering COVID-19 vaccinations for children ages 5 to 11 the weekend of Nov. 5, following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's emergency use authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for children in that age group. More than 100 vaccination appointments were filled on the first day.

Since then, nearly 2,000 appointments have been scheduled through January 2022, according to a Tuesday news release. The Wellstar pediatric COVID-19 vaccination sites are located at the East Cobb and Acworth health parks.

“During the COVID[-19] pandemic, Wellstar has remained dedicated to protecting our practitioners, patients, and the children of our communities,” said Dr. Avril Beckford, chief pediatric officer for Wellstar Health System. “We are incredibly excited by the high demand and interest in pediatric vaccinations and proud of the families who have taken the important step to vaccinate their children to offer some of our youngest patients protection against COVID[-19].”

Wellstar's pediatric vaccination clinics include waiting rooms for families while they wait for their children. Parents can also schedule follow-up visits while they're there, including the second vaccine dose and other immunizations.

“I decided to get my two children ages five and seven vaccinated,” said Hunter Carlson, executive director of Health Parks and Pediatric Center for Wellstar Health System. “The kids had a great time and enjoyed interacting with the physicians and staff. In addition to wearing masks, the vaccine will give my children and family an extra layer of protection against the disease.”

For more health tips and information on how to schedule pediatric vaccinations, visit Wellstar's Pediatric Care During COVID-19 page.