Pasadena To Administer Vaccine to 5–11 Year Olds

Child in mask (Photo – theknowledgeexchangeblog.com)

The Pasadena Public Health Department (PPHD) will begin administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to children 5 to 11 years old on Monday, November 8, 2021.

By News Desk

Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on November 2, 2021, endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation that children 5-11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, nearly 8,000 children have become eligible for vaccination this week.  Initial doses of the pediatric vaccine arrived early this week and additional vaccine has been ordered.

In addition to hosting pediatric clinics at PPHD and at schools in partnership with the Pasadena Unified School District, PPHD has also worked with a network of pediatric providers and retail pharmacies across the City that are prepared to provide vaccines to children between the ages of 5 and 11.

Dr. Ying-Ying Goh, PPHD Director, Health Officer and board-certified Pediatrician, strongly recommends that everyone who is eligible to receive the safe and effective vaccines should get vaccinated against COVID-19. Parents are encouraged to check the CDC or American Academy of Pediatrics websites for more information and talk with their child’s pediatrician or medical provider to answer any questions they may have Parents and guardians are required to be present during vaccine administration.

Preparation

In order to prepare children to receive the vaccine, PPHD recommends:

• Talking to children about the vaccine in advance.
• Wearing short sleeves to the vaccine appointment for easier access to the upper arm.
• Ensuring children are well hydrated before and after receiving the vaccine.
• Planning to monitor children closely after they receive the vaccine for any side effects.

By appointment only

Once fully approved, those seeking Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11 can make an appointment at MyTurn.CA.gov or at a local pharmacy that offers Pfizer vaccinations. PPHD will offer pediatric vaccines once fully approved by appointment only for those registered through the MyTurn system.

For those who need help making an appointment, contact the Pasadena Citizen Service Center at (626) 744-7311, Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.