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COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for everyone six months of age and older.
Children will get a smaller dose of the vaccine than teens and adults based on their age on the day of vaccination.
District 2 Public Health Medical Director, Dr. Zachary Taylor said, “Parents should discuss with their pediatrician or family doctor about vaccinating their child with the COVID-19 vaccine.”
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is now available at all District 2 health departments for children six months and older. The Moderna vaccine will be arriving soon. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is not authorized for children.
The CDC recommends COVID-19 primary series vaccines for everyone who is six months and older, and COVID-19 boosters for everyone five years and older, if eligible. You are protected best from COVID-19 when you stay up to date with the recommended vaccines.
Children 5-11 years old should get two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine 3-8 weeks apart, and should receive their booster dose five months after their primary series has been completed.
Children six months to 4 years old should receive three doses total. Once a child is vaccinated with their first dose, they should receive their second dose 3-8 weeks later; however, the interval between the second dose and the third dose is eight weeks.
District 2 public health departments offer walk-in appointments for COVID-19 vaccines. Visit phdistrict2.org to find a health department location in your county.