St. Claire HealthCare to Begin Offering COVID-19 Vaccine to Individuals Ages 5 - 11

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 to include children 5 through 11 years of age. The vaccine is now recommended for anyone ages 5 years or older and is available at St. Claire HealthCare.

“The COVID vaccine has proven to be safe and effective in the fight against COVID-19,” said Will Melahn, MD, SCH Chief Medical Officer/VP for Medical Affairs.

The vaccine’s safety was studied in approximately 3,100 children age 5 through 11 who received the vaccine and no serious side effects have been detected in the ongoing study. For children 5 through 11 years of age, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is administered as a two-dose primary series, 3 weeks apart, but is a lower dose (10 micrograms) than that used for individuals 12 years of age and older (30 micrograms).

“Parents, school personnel, coaches, and even the children have been waiting for this announcement from the FDA,” said Melahn. “Offering the vaccine to school-aged children is the next major step we can take in protecting our community.”

Considering the hours of operation for schools in the surrounding area, SCH will be offering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine at the St. Claire Medical Pavilion for individuals ages 5 to 11 on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 8 AM to Noon in addition to regular business hours. A limited number of appointments will be available at this time.

If you would like to schedule an appointment for your child (age 5 or older), please call 606.783.7539. Schedulers are available to take your call Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM.