Good news, parents: Children as young as five can now receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine was authorized for emergency use earlier this month. And while some parents have reservations about vaccinating their children, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend vaccinating your child (or children) as soon as possible. “COVID-19 vaccines are life-saving vaccines,” an article from the AAP states. “Individuals should receive the first vaccine they are eligible to receive and that is available in their community. Delaying immunization leaves an individual vulnerable to infection for a longer period of time, placing them at greater risk of serious illness and death. [What’s more, the] AAP recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all children and adolescents 5 years of age and older who do not have contraindications using a COVID-19 vaccine authorized through an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) or Biologics License Application (BLA), recommended by CDC, and appropriate for their age and health status.” But how can you get your young child vaccinated? Where should you go? From your local pharmacy to your child’s pediatrician, here are eight locations that are administering COVID shots to minors.
CVS
Select CVS pharmacies are offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5 to 11. View eligible locations for child’s vaccines and/or schedule your appointment now.
Walgreens
As of November 6, children aged five to 11 can receive the COVD-19 vaccine at select Walgreens locations. For more information about pediatric dosing and/or to schedule your appointment, visit the pharmacies official website.
Rite-Aid
Another pharmacy now offering the COVID-19 vaccine to minors is Rite-Aid. However, as with Walgreens and CVS, pediatric dosing is only available at select locations.
Walmart
Schedule an appointment—or walk-in today—to any of Walmart’s 4,743 stores. According to the company’s website, the COVID-19 vaccine is now available at all locations.
Costco
While in short supply and only available at select locations, Costco will be offering and administering pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Appointments are required.
Pop-up vaccination sites
Some regions have announced that they will be hosting pop-up vaccination sites. In New York City, for example, vaccination tents (or mobile clinics) will be appearing outside schools, though parental presence and consent are still required. To find a vaccination site in your area, search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233.
Grocery stores
While many grocery stores have the COVID-19 vaccine in stock, not all have pediatric doses. Kroger has it at select locations, as does Food Lion and other Retail Business Services-owned stores, like Giant Food and Stop and Shop. H-E-B announced they would begin administering the vaccine to children aged five to 11 starting on November 3. Publix and Winn-Dixie began offering it on November 6, and Albertsons and all Albertson-owned companies — including Osco, Acme, Safeway, Pak n Save, and Save On, to name a few — are giving COVID doses at their clinics. To determine if your grocery store has pediatric dosing in stock, contact them directly and/or visit their website.
Your child’s pediatrician
You can also contact your child’s pediatrician, as the White House promised these doses would be readily available in doctor’s offices. “We know millions of parents have been waiting for a COVID-19 vaccine for kids in this age group and should the FDA and CDC authorize the vaccine we will be ready to get shots in arms,” Jeff Zients, the White House’s COVID-19 response coordinator, said during a press briefing last month. “We will ensure that vaccinations for kids ages five through 11 are easy, convenient and accessible to every family,” Zients said. “Importantly, as we’ve done throughout all of our vaccination efforts, equity and fairness will be at the center of our pediatric vaccination program.” For more information about the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine and/or to find an appointment in your area, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or vaccines.gov.
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