City Of Kansas City: Health Department Awaits First Shipment Of First COVID Vaccine For Young Children

Press release from the City of Kansas City:

11/03/2021 5:01 PM

The Kansas City Health Department is awaiting shipment of the Pfizer BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine, the first COVID-19 vaccine authorized in the United States for younger children. On October 29, the US Food and Drug Administration issued its emergency use authorization, and then yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the vaccine for children ages five to 11 years old. The pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which is one-third the dosage given to teens and adults, will still require two shots at least three weeks apart to get the maximum protection of the vaccine. During Pfizer’s clinical trials, the vaccination of children ages five to-11 with two doses was 91% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. In anticipation of this announcement, the Kansas City Health Department has been working with local partners to ensure the pediatric vaccine is accessible to all families who want it. The health department submitted an order through the state more than a week ago and awaits the shipment as well as specific recommendations from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Once the doses are received, the health department will announce the vaccine is available at the health department, 2400 Troost Ave., and will provide clinics throughout the month of November and December. Vaccines are free, and no identification, proof of residency, or insurance is required. “If a child and their family have a pediatrician or a family practice doctor that they know and trust, the best option is to receive the vaccine from them. This visit offers the opportunity for the parent or guardian to discuss any questions related to the vaccine as well as any other health concerns, vaccines or screenings that may have been delayed,” said Frank Thompson, Kansas City’s interim director of health. “However, for families without a regular physician or a medical home or whose providers are not able to administer vaccine, the health department will have the pediatric vaccine available.” As soon as we receive the pediatric vaccine, the health department will provide opportunities throughout the city for families to access vaccines. These events will be at schools, outreach public health clinics and special clinic events. Once the pediatric vaccine is available, you can find a complete list of event locations at kcmo.gov/covid. We will continue to update the webpage as more events are planned. Most locations do not require any pre-registration. Children’s Mercy Hospital is another resource for parents. The hospital will begin offering Pfizer’s pediatric vaccine on Monday, Nov. 8 at its Gillham Road and Broadway campuses. Check their website for availability at other campuses and for other information on pediatric vaccinations. An appointment is currently required; those instructions can also be found on their website. “We know many parents have been eager to protect their younger children against COVID-19 with this vaccination, and we want to make it as convenient as possible for them,” Thompson said. “We strongly encourage all of our residents to get vaccinated for COVID and for Influenza as soon as possible to protect themselves and their loved ones as we head into the fall and winter holiday season.”

This press release was produced by the City of Kansas City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.