Kids 5 To 11 Can Now Get Pfizer Coronavirus Vaccine In Philly

PHILADELPHIA — Kids 5 to 11 years old can now get pediatric strength doses of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine in Philadelphia, officials said Wednesday.

Philadelphia Department of Public Health is working with vaccine providers throughout the city to make pediatric vaccines available in as many places as possible.

Residents can find the nearest pediatric vaccination clinics online here and here.

Residents can also call 215-685-5488 to find a clinic.

According to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, the availability

Pediatric vaccines are now being administered following the U.S. FDA emergency use authorization of a pediatric strength dose and the U.S. CDC recommendation that children be vaccinated.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has instructed all COVID-19 vaccine providers to begin administering the free vaccine as they receive the vaccine.

The FDA and CDC have found this vaccine to be safe and effective in children.

"I have been waiting for this day for months and months; we can finally vaccinate our children,” Acting Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole said. "We know that as more people in Philadelphia get vaccinated against COVID-19, we all become safer. I cannot recommend strongly enough that every child who is eligible to be vaccinated do so as soon as possible. People often ask me how we can get back to normal, I believe that getting children vaccinated is a big step in that direction."

The FDA approved and authorized COVID-19 vaccines have been found to be safe and effective. They reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 and reduce the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death.

More than 81 percent of all eligible Philadelphians have received at least one dose of COVID vaccine, and nearly two-thirds are fully vaccinated.

The city maintains a COVID-19 website here that contains information, data, and guidance on the virus and the city’s response to the pandemic.

Additionally, the Health Department offers information on where the vaccine is available online here, and information on where people can be tested for COVID-19 at is online here.