Health Department offers COVID-19 shots for kids ages 5-11

The Platte County Health Department has announced upcoming clinics for children aged 5 to 11 to receive the pediatric dose of the Pfizer COVID vaccine.

The following clinics have been scheduled:

  • 3-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15 - Parkville

  • 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17 – Parkville

  • 1-5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 – Platte City

  • 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15 – Platte City

Appointments are required and registration can be completed at plattecountyhealthdept.com. 

“As we continue to work on getting community members vaccinated, the addition of being able to have children ages 5 to 11 receive a COVID vaccine is exciting news in the fight against COVID,” said Mary Jo Vernon, director, Platte County Health Department. “With the addition of these clinics focused solely on the pediatric population, we can help ease the minds of worried parents.” 

The Pfizer COVID vaccine is authorized for children and adolescents age 5 and up, as a 2-dose series taken three weeks apart. Those receiving the Pfizer COVID vaccine are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second shot. The dose for children age 5-11 is one-third of the dosage of the vaccine for older adolescents and adults.

According to the health department, COVID has become one of the top 10 causes of pediatric death and tens of thousands of children and teens have been hospitalized with COVID. The vaccine is one of the best defenses against COVID and is safe and effective. 

Before being authorized for children, scientists and medical experts completed their review of safety and effectiveness data from clinical trials of thousands of children. The Pfizer COVID vaccine has been rigorously tested and reviewed.