COVID Vaccines Arrive For Children Under 5: How To Get Them In RI

RHODE ISLAND— Rhode Island parents with children between the ages of 6 months and four can start booking appointments to vaccinate their children against COVID-19, beginning early next week, Gov. Dan McKee said.

"It's great news that some of our youngest Rhode Islanders are now eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19," McKee said in a statement. "We are partnering with pediatricians, family physicians, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers throughout the state to ensure that kids can be vaccinated in the settings that are most familiar and comfortable. Getting your child vaccinated against COVID-19 now is an important step that parents and families can take to provide protection this summer and into the fall, when kids are heading back to school."

COVID-19 vaccines for children 6 months to 5 will be available at locations in Rhode Island, including doctors' offices, CVS Minute Clinics, retail pharmacies, federally qualified health centers, and hospitals.

State health officials said to check with your child's doctor about whether they are offering COVID-19 vaccines for this age group. Clinics can also be found here.

"As parents and families, we want what's best for our kids. Getting vaccinated can protect your children against severe illness, hospitalization, and long-term health impacts from COVID-19," said Interim state Health Director James McDonald. " Just like the many other vaccines that we give to our kids to keep them healthy and safe, these vaccines have been thoroughly researched. Parents should feel confident in the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine and should get their children vaccinated for the best protection against COVID-19."

There are about 56,000 children in Rhode Island younger than age 5. Nationwide, over 570,000 children younger than age 1 and over 1.9 million children between the ages of 1 and 4 have gotten sick with COVID-19, state health officials said. Officials said COVID-19 can cause severe illness in young children.

On June 14, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for children age 6 months through 5, and Pfizer’s vaccine for children age 6 months through 4. On June 18, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended these vaccines for these age groups.

The Moderna vaccine is two doses, with 28 days between the first and second dose. The Pfizer vaccine is three doses, with 21 days between the first and second dose and at least eight weeks between the second and third dose. The doses for children are smaller than the doses given to adolescents and adults.

COVID-19 vaccines are free and do not require health insurance or identification to receive a shot. The COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to be safe, effective, and protective against serious illness caused by the virus.

Click here for additional information on the COVID-19 vaccine.