COVID-19 Vaccines Available For Kids Aged 5 To 11 In Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE, RI — Children in Rhode Island are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine, the Department of Health announced Wednesday morning. The two-dose Pfizer vaccine is available to kids aged 5 through 11 following approval from both the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Children in this age group will receive a slightly different dose than adults and older youths. The formulation was studied extensively during clinical trials and was proven to be 90.7 percent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 disease in children 5 to 11, the Department of Health said, with no major significant concerns identified.

"The approval of the Pfizer vaccine for 5 to 11 year olds is the next big step towards protecting all Rhode Islanders from COVID-19," Gov. Dan McKee said. "With more than 90 percent of adult Rhode Islanders at least partially vaccinated, Rhode Island is second in the nation in vaccinations. Now, it’s time for our youngest Rhode Islanders to get vaccinated too. Together, we’ll be able to vaccinate even more of the Ocean State."

Before Wednesday, there were 900 children's doses of the Pfizer vaccine in Rhode Island, with an additional 9,900 expected to arrive by the end of the day. Thousands more doses are scheduled to come in the coming days, as well.

The Department of Health reminded parents to verify that the appointment they make is for a child aged 5 to 11 years old, to ensure the proper dose.

"The best way to keep your family safe when it comes to COVID-19 is to get everyone who is eligible vaccinated. That now includes children 5 to 11 years of age. There will be vaccination opportunities for children 5 to 11 in every community throughout the state," said Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott, the director of the Department of Health. "This vaccine has been studied and monitored very carefully. It is safe, and it works. If there is a child who is between 5 and 11 years old in your household, get that child vaccinated as soon as possible."

Where to get vaccines

• Clinics at schools: School districts are partnering with municipalities to offer more than 130 vaccination clinics for first and second doses for children 5 to 11 years old. These clinics will be held during the evening starting the week of Nov. 7. These clinics are open to all children 5 to 11 years old (not just the children who attend the host schools). Unless otherwise noted, vaccine will not be available for older children and adults at school clinics. A list of clinics is available here.
• The offices of some primary care providers: Many pediatrician and family medicine practices are enrolled as providers of COVID-19 vaccine. Contact your child’s healthcare provider to learn if they are vaccinating younger children.
• The State-run site at Sockanosset Cross Road: Appointments for children 5 to 11 at the Sockanosset Cross Road site in Cranston will start to become available Wednesday at 2 p.m. on VaccinateRI.org. People can also call 844-930-1779 if they need assistance scheduling an appointment.
• Pharmacies: Vaccine for children 5 to 11 years old will be available at many CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Stop and Shop sites. Availability at these chain pharmacies is expected this weekend. Visit the websites of these pharmacies for more information. Appointment slots for independent pharmacies will be listed on VaccinateRI.org.
• Health centers: Many health centers are doing direct outreach to their patients about vaccine availability.
• Community clinics: Additional community clinics for children 5 to 11 will be scheduled in the coming weeks.