CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible for COVID vaccinations and officials said shots in arms could start as early as Thursday.
Some of the children’s vaccination infrastructure - needles, paperwork, and such - are getting in place, and according to Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady, some places will be giving vaccinations to younger kids as early as Thursday.
"It is the exact same ingredients. It is the exact same timeframe. So yes, your child in that 5-11 age group, just like the older kids and adults needs two doses three weeks apart, and you do need to get both," Dr. Arwady said.
"Importantly, it is only one-third of the dose. So, smaller body mass for the kids, but you get the same level of protection. The good news is, less likely to have side effects."
Dr. Arwady reminded parents the shots are free. No insurance is needed.
The state said COVID shots will be available for 5- to 11-year olds at more than 2,2000 locations, including more than 700 pharmacies, as well as hundreds of other doctors offices and health clinics.
Walgreen’s, for instance, said appointments will start being taken Wednesday for shots that will being going in arms Saturday.
The state hopes to also be able to set up vaccination events at schools in the coming weeks.
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