Wake County Public Health Opens Appointment System for COVID-19 Vaccinations of Children
Wake County Public Health Opens Appointment System for COVID-19 Vaccinations of Children
November 3, 2021
Clinics to begin administering doses Monday, November 8, 2021
Following last night's emergency approval by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Wake County Public Health has opened up its appointment system for COVID-19 vaccinations of children ages 5 to 11 years old. Families can begin booking slots at ALL five clinics throughout Wake County with the first doses going into arms on Monday, Nov. 8.
Wake County set up a special website, WakeGov.com/kids, with information for families and a link for signing up for their children's COVID-19 protection. These new clinics have been set up to accommodate any children ages 5-17, so that parents are able to conveniently group appointments for their children of multiple ages at one site. The website also has helpful answers to common questions we're getting from parents. When they arrive, guardians will be asked to fill out a brief a consent form for children 15 years old and younger.
"Wake County stands ready for this next phase in our fight against COVID-19," said Matt Calabria, Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. "We know thousands of parents are eager to get their children vaccinated, and with yesterday's decision, we're making sure everyone has easy access to appointments."
Wake County Public Health ordered thousands of pediatric doses and thousands more are going to local pharmacies, hospital systems and pediatrician offices. The Pfizer shots for children are 1/3 of the adult doses and are given with a smaller needle. The two-shot series is given 21 days apart. The arm muscle is preferred for COVID-19 vaccines for children 5-11 years of age. However, the leg can be used as well, if needed. Guardians will immediately be prompted to select a second dose appointment time once they arrive to get their child's first shot.
It's estimated there are about 102,000 children in Wake County ages 5 to 11, many of them with barriers to health care. That's why Wake County is emphasizing that these vaccines are given at no cost to families and no insurance or IDs are required. Wake County Public Health is also partnering with Wake County Public Schools and community groups and organizations like the Poe Center with vaccination events in the community during the month of November.
La vacuna de Pfizer contra el COVID-19 está disponible para niños de 5 a 11 años. Más información: Wakegov.com/ninos.
(Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is available for children ages 5 to 11. More information: Wakegov.com/ninos)