Montco Distributing Vaccine To Kids Ages 5-11: Where To Get One

NORRISTOWN, PA — Montgomery County is now scheduling appointments for children aged 5 to 11 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, the day after the CDC and FDA approved its emergency use.

The county's four existing vaccine clinics will disburse the vaccine. Health officials say the vaccine is safe for the younger age group.

"As a mom, I encourage parents with questions to talk to their pediatrician, school nurse or local pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their children vaccinated," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky said.

Vaccine providers in Montgomery County and around the state are receiving doses of the special Pfizer vaccine for kids, which comes in smaller needles and contains a third of the medicine of the doses used for adults.

Similar to what was seen in adult vaccine trials, vaccination was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years, the CDC announcement said. In clinical trials, vaccine side effects were mild, self-limiting, and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. The most common side effect was a sore arm.

The county is also holding a series of virtual town halls for to discuss the vaccine with parents and address questions and concerns.

• Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.: Town Hall for Asian parents. Register here.
• Thursday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.: Town Hall for Black parents. Register here.
• Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m.: Town Hall for Latino parents. Register here.
• Wednesday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m.: Town Hall for Parents. Register here.

The locations of Montgomery County's four clinics are included below:

Bethel Community Church of Pottstown, 575 North Keim Street, Pottstown

• Tuesdays 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Thursdays 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Human Services Center (First Floor, Community Room), 1430 DeKalb Street, Norristown

• Tuesdays 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Thursdays 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

King of Prussia Mall at the Court (Third Floor, former Thomasville Furniture) 640 W. Dekalb Pike, Suite 3010, King of Prussia

• Mondays 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Fridays 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Willow Grove Parkside Shopping Center (former Petco) 2522 West Moreland Road, Willow Grove

• Mondays 11:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Wednesdays 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Fridays 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Children under the age of 18 who are seeking to get vaccinated must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.