CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- All children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines following the final approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration.
“The approval of this life-saving vaccine for children is an accomplishment that will benefit families all across Chicago," said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, in a statement. "Many parents and guardians across our city will now have the opportunity to ensure their children are safe, which is a huge step forward in our COVID-19 journey. As we begin the roll out, we intend to continue offering as much information as we can through services provided by CDPH and CPS. Only by working together can move forward into the healthy, post-pandemic future we deserve.”
According to Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, the city has already received about 30,000 vaccines doses and more are on the way. Children can start receiving the shots as early as Thursday, Nov. 4, and parents can get more information at www.chi.gov/youthvax.
While using the same “formula” as the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for adults, the dose for 5- to 11-year olds is one-third the dose of adults, CDPH said in a statement; but like adult vaccinations, the pediatric vaccine includes two doses that should be administered three weeks apart.
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“Getting our children vaccinated against COVID-19 is another important step to putting the pandemic behind us,” said Dr. Arwady. “While fewer children have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, data show children are as likely to be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 as adults, and can spread the virus to others. And children ages 5 to 11 can get sick from COVID-19—there have been 8,300 hospitalizations to date, and hospitalization rates are three times higher for Black, LatinX and American Indian children. Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family and community against COVID-19.”
Arwady urged parents to talk to their child’s healthcare provider or visit trusted websites to learn more about the vaccine, and make a plan to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible.
“Most importantly, the research shows that vaccines are safe and very effective for children,” she said.
As a reminder, all COVID-19 vaccines are free; no insurance or government ID required.
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To add to their COVID-19 vaccination distribution plan, the Chicago Department of Public Health will host family vaccination clinics at City Colleges of Chicago. These events will offer pediatric COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines, as well as Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines and booster doses to all Chicagoans. You must be 18 or older to receive a J&J vaccine. All clinics will be open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registration is required and will begin on Nov. 5 at www.chi.gov/YouthVax.
The schedule is:
Saturday, Nov. 13 – Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S Pulaski Rd.
Sunday, Nov. 14 – Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N Narragansett Ave.
Saturday, Nov. 20 – Kennedy-King College, 6301 S Halsted St.
Sunday, Nov. 21 – Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S Woodlawn Ave.
Saturday, Dec. 4 – Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S Pulaski Rd.
Sunday, Dec. 5 – Wilbur Wright College, 4300 N Narragansett Ave.
Saturday, Dec. 11 – Kennedy-King College, 6301 S Halsted St.
Sunday, Dec. 12 – Olive-Harvey College, 10001 S Woodlawn Ave.
Saturday, Dec. 18 – Truman College, 1145 W Wilson Ave.
Sunday, Dec. 19 – Malcolm X College, 1900 W Jackson Blvd.
Saturday, Jan. 8 – Truman College, 1145 W Wilson Ave.
Sunday, Jan. 9 – Malcolm X College, 1900 W Jackson Blvd.
There are many other ways for children to get vaccinated:
• Family health care providers – CDPH recommends families first reach out to their pediatrician or family medical provider to see if appointments are available.
• CPS sites – CPS’ regional vaccination clinics and mobile school-based events will begin offering the Pfizer vaccine for ages 5 to 11 starting on Wednesday, Nov. 10.
• Local pharmacies – Across the city, many pharmacy locations already have vaccines and more will receive doses in the coming weeks. Each has their own registration.
• Select children’s hospitals will host pediatric vaccine events – check hospital websites for dates and more information.
Additionally, standing CDPH immunization clinics will also offer pediatric COVID-19 vaccines by appointment only. This includes:
• Uptown WIC 845 W. Wilson Ave., 2nd Level (call 312-742-3227 for an appointment).
• Greater Lawn WIC 4150 W. 55th St. (call 312-745-1477 for an appointment).
Also starting Nov. 15, all CDPH-sponsored community events will offer pediatric vaccinations. For the calendar of community events, visit Chicago.gov/VaxCalendar.
All 5- to 11-year olds will be eligible for $100 in Visa gift cards ($50 card for each dose) when receiving their vaccine at CDPH events or clinics.
At most vaccination locations, parents must accompany the child. Exceptions include CPS school-located vaccination clinics, school-based health centers, and some healthcare providers with signed consent forms from a parent or guardian.
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