Covid vaccine available for children age 5-12

Now that the CDC has approved use of the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11, the Fairfax County Health Department encourages parents to get children vaccinated as soon as possible.

The Covid vaccine for children should be widely available in the coming days, and many pediatric and family practice offices are ready to offer appointments for families. Once the supply increases, there will be walk-in options. 

You can also visit Vaccines.gov to search for an available appointment at pharmacies, grocery stores, and urgent care facilities. 

Visit the Vaccine Administration Management System to make an appointment at a Fairfax County Health Department Vaccination Center. 

Click here to make an appointment at the Inova Children Vaccination Clinic at the Inova Center for Personalized Health. 

When looking for an appointment, the Health Department reminds parents to search for the Pfizer pediatric vaccine since it is the only vaccine currently available for use in children under age 12. Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or another adult at all community vaccination sites.

The dosage that children ages 5-11 receive is one-third of the amount given to those 12 and older.  Despite the lower dose, vaccinated children under age 12 have similar antibody levels as adolescents and young adults who received the higher dose.

The vaccine for 5 to 11-year-olds is given in two doses, separated by 21 days. Children are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after receiving the second dose. Side effects in this age group include pain or redness in the arm where the vaccine is given, fatigue, headache, and muscle aches.

Independent scientific advisory committees have concluded that the benefits of vaccinating children ages 5-11 far outweigh the rare side effects that might occur.

“Since late August, children have experienced the highest rate of Covid-19 infection in our community,” said Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu, director of the Health Department. “While children are less likely to get serious disease than adults, some have been hospitalized and, like adults, suffer symptoms that can last for months. Children with asymptomatic infections can spread the virus to other household members.” 

Vaccinated children will be able to stay in school, resulting in fewer disruptions to learning. Vaccinated children without symptoms will not need to quarantine and can remain at school even if they are exposed to someone with Covid.