The CDC gave the green light for the vaccine to be offered to children in the new age group Nov. 2, following the FDA's decision to extend emergency use authorization for the vaccine to children age 5 and up. In making the decision, the organizations consulted the results of a clinical trial showing that Pfizer's vaccine is 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19 infections among 5- to 11-year-olds and poses no serious health risks.
Because children ages 5-11 will receive a vaccine equivalent to one-third the dose of the adult version of the vaccine, providers must request the product specifically for that age group.
On Nov. 3, the Texas Department of State Health Services published a list of providers who would receive pediatric vaccine shipments in the course of the next week.
The Comal County Public Health Department is among area providers now offering the Pfizer vaccine for children age five and over.
A second dose of the vaccine is recommended three weeks after the first shot, and those interested in scheduling an appointment can call the health department at 830-221-1150.
Texas MedClinic is also offering the pediatric vaccine at its San Antonio, New Braunfels, Bulverde, Austin and Round Rock locations from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. each day.
Reservations are required and can be made online.
“It’s one more tool in our medicine kit to fight the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Dr. David Gude, Texas MedClinic chief operating officer and practicing physician, in a press release. “And it comes just in time for the holiday season when we have consistently seen a rise in COVID-19 cases.”
Olivia Aldridge contributed to this report.
