Politics & Government

Essex County Starts Offering COVID Vaccines To Kids Under 12

Coronavirus vaccine shots for children ages 5 to 11 have begun at Essex County's centers in Newark, Livingston and West Orange.

Coronavirus vaccine shots for children ages 5 to 11 have begun at Essex County’s three operational centers in Newark, Livingston and West Orange, officials announced Wednesday.
Coronavirus vaccine shots for children ages 5 to 11 have begun at Essex County’s three operational centers in Newark, Livingston and West Orange, officials announced Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of Essex County)

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Coronavirus vaccine shots for children ages 5 to 11 have begun at Essex County’s three operational centers in Newark, Livingston and West Orange, officials announced Wednesday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved emergency use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for the above age group on Tuesday. Some vaccine providers, including CVS and Walgreens, already have online appointments open to 5 to 11-year-olds in New Jersey. Read More: COVID Vaccine For Kids Under 12 (Where To Get One In NJ)

Anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Essex County is eligible to get a vaccine at the county’s three centers, which also offer COVID-19 testing.

Find out what's happening in Newarkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Pfizer vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 will be given Monday to Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. Appointments for this age group are required, and can be made by visiting EssexCOVID.org or calling 973-877-8456. The vaccine is given in two doses; children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Essex County – which was among the first in the state to roll out its vaccine program – is also offering booster shots and third doses for eligible people.

Find out what's happening in Newarkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

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