Del. Providers Authorized To Give COVID-19 Vaccine To Children
Delaware providers of COVID-19 vaccinations are now able to offer the Pfizer pediatric vaccine for children between five and 11 years old.
The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has agreed with FDA findings that expand Emergency Use Authorization to allow the Pfizer vaccine to be administered to children. The dose has been reduced for children, and side effects have been similar to – or fewer than – those experienced by adults.
About 77,500 children are eligible to receive the vaccine, according to Delaware Public Health.
“This is very exciting news for Delaware in the ongoing fight against COVID,” DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay said. “We have been waiting for the day when we could give our younger school-aged children this very effective layer of protection and let them get back to a more normal childhood. Parents are naturally going to be concerned about rare adverse reactions. What we know is the benefits far outweigh the extremely rare chance of a bad reaction. If my children were in this age group, I would absolutely vaccinate them right away.”Â
Parents or guardians are encouraged to find out from their pediatricians to see if they have the vaccine available.
It also can be found at several standing Delaware Public Health sites and at a limited number of pharmacies
Delaware Public Health provided additional details below:
Parents or guardians are encouraged to first contact their child’s pediatrician to see if they are administering the vaccine. Vaccines will also be available at Federally Qualified Health Centers (for patients), and standing DPH Vaccine sites:
- Blue Hen Corporate Center: 655 S. Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901
- Georgetown Plaza: 19 Georgetown Plaza, Georgetown, DE 19947
- Canby Park: 1920 Maryland Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805
- University Plaza, 256 Chapman Road, Suite 100, Newark, DE 19702
Additionally, vaccines will be available to patients of pediatric health care providers and a limited number of large chain pharmacies initially until vaccine supply opens up. DPH recommends parents check pharmacy websites for scheduling options and availability before going.
Written parental consent is required for people younger than 18, but either a parent or other adult may attend with the child. Those with concerns should speak to their family physician.
For a complete list of locations where vaccines are available, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine.
