Montefiore Now Offering COVID-19 Vaccines For Kids Ages 5-11

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — Montefiore campuses are now offering COVID-19 vaccines to both adults and children ages five and older.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the announcement that children as young as five could now be vaccinated was an important step in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, adding that the state's Clinical Advisory Task Force unanimously agreed with the CDC.

"I encourage parents to reach out to their pediatricians and prepare to get their children vaccinated," she said. "New York State has been making preparations for this moment, and we will waste no time to help get shots administered through all available channels so that we can protect our kids from COVID-19 and finally put an end to the pandemic."

Unfortunately, getting a vaccine for younger children has been something of a challenge in Westchester with supplies and appointments at pharmacies more scarce than expected.

While adults and children over ages 12 can get the COVID-19 vaccine at Montefiore by either making an appointment or visiting one of Montefiore's walk-in locations, children ages five to eleven years old will need an appointment.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has received emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Authority (FDA) at a smaller dose for children between the ages 5 and 11. Vaccinations for these children currently are by appointment only at the Wakefield Campus, Hutchinson Campus— The Atrium and Montefiore Medical Group sites.

SEE ALSO: COVID Vaccine For Kids 5-11: Where To Get One In Hudson Valley

Vaccinations for the younger age group will also be offered at Montefiore School Health Program elementary schools. If your child attends school at one of the Montefiore School Health Program-affiliated elementary schools, you can simply call the school to schedule a vaccination appointment.

Appointments for children five to eleven years old can be scheduled online.

Hospital officials said if there are no open appointments available when attempting to schedule online, try back later — the hospital will continue to post new appointment times depending on the vaccine supply.