COVID Vaccine For Children 5 To 11 Available In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — After federal authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5 to 11, providers in Alexandria are starting to offer the lower-dose vaccine for younger ages.

Vaccinations for the younger age group begin after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 for ages 5 to 11. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices met on Nov. 2 to review the vaccine safety data for the age group, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended the emergency use authorization to include ages 5 to 11. According to the CDC, clinical trials for ages 5 to 11 found vaccination was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19. Side effects were mild and similar to those of adults, with the most common being a sore arm.

The CDC recommends vaccinations for children as a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization or long-term complications from COVID-19, as well as reduce disruptions to in-person education.

While the vaccine is the same offered to ages 12 and up and given in two doses 21 days apart, the dosage for ages 5 to 11 is one-third of the dosage for older individuals. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines remain only available to adults 18 and older.

In Alexandria, families will have different options for getting the newly eligible children vaccinated, such as Alexandria Health Department clinics, pediatricians, and pharmacies. A parent or guardian must provide consent for a minor to be vaccinated either in advance or at the vaccination site, depending on the provider's process.

The Alexandria Health Department urges patience as it will make pediatric vaccine appointments on a rolling basis as supplies allow. The health department will continue to work with partners to host vaccine events at schools on weekends and other locations throughout the week.

According to a health department news release, it could take several weeks to vaccinate the 12,000 eligible youth in Alexandria based on supply. Across the U.S., 28 million children are newly eligible.

When available, Alexandria Health Department appointments will be provided at alexandriava.gov/Vaccines. Appointments at other providers like pharmacies will be available at vaccines.gov later this week once the website is updated with a pediatric vaccine search option. The Alexandria COVID-19 Hotline is available weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 703-746-4988.