Editor’s note: The Dallas County Public Health Department released the following statement Wednesday, Nov. 3.
The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted Tuesday to recommend the Pfizer-BioNTech Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 under emergency use authorization.
Iowa healthcare providers are now able to administer the pediatric Pfizer vaccine to children 5-11 years of age once the vaccine shipments have been received. Dallas County has more than 11,000 children ages 5-11 who will now be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
The Dallas County Health Department advises that parents/guardians schedule appointments for their children to receive the COVID-19 vaccine with their pediatrician, family physician or local pharmacist. Vaccine shipments are scheduled to arrive later this week.
The Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is formulated specifically for young children; THE PFIZER VACCINE FOR ADULTS AND ADOLESCENTS CANNOT BE SUBSTITUTED FOR CHILDREN AGES 5- 11.
Visit www.vaccinefinder.org to find a local pediatric vaccine provider.
The Pfizer Pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is a two-dose series with a minimum interval of 21 days. Additional and booster doses are not recommended for 5-11 year-olds at this time.
Children will be considered “fully vaccinated” two weeks following their second dose.
Parents/guardians will be able to view the vaccine recipient fact sheet at https://www.fda.gov/media/153717/download.
While less common than adolescents or young adults, children may experience the following side effects: pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, fever, fatigue, headache, chills, myalgia (muscle aches), arthralgia (joint stiffness) or lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes).
Over-the-counter medications can be used for symptom management as needed. ASPIRIN IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN OR ADOLESCENTS 18 YEARS OR YOUNGER.
Any side effects that last more than a few days or worsen should be reported to the vaccine provider and to www.vaers.hhs.gov/esub/index.jsp.
We encourage Dallas County residents to continue practicing mitigation measures that can slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus as vaccination efforts continue:
• Wear a mask or facial covering while in indoor, public spaces
• Practicing distancing 6 feet from those outside your household
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Stay home when you feel sick
• Get tested if you are exposed to or have symptoms of COVID-19
For ongoing updates and COVID-19 information, please visit coronavirus.iowa.gov and follow @DallasCoHealth on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. General information can also be obtained by calling 2-1-1. The 2-1-1 Language Helpline is available to assist Iowans in additional languages at 1-877-558-2609.
