Retailers begin offering Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 to 11 years old
Following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s emergency use authorization, and sign off by director Rochelle Walensky, children aged 5 to 11 years old can now receive a two-dose primary series of the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric COVID-19 vaccine.
In wake of this news, retailers have begun sharing their plans on when to offer the vaccine for these age groups, some beginning as early as Nov. 6.
Walgreens recently shared that it will begin administering Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 to 11 years old beginning Nov. 6. Appointments can be made either online or by calling the retailer.
[Read more: FDA recommends Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11]
“Walgreens pharmacy team members have significant experience vaccinating children and adolescents, and are ready to immunize this newly eligible population safely and as quickly as possible,” said Kevin Ban, Walgreens chief medical officer. “The COVID-19 vaccine is just as important to protect children as other routine immunizations are, and the expanded eligibility will help children stay in school safely and prevent severe illness due to COVID-19.”
CVS Health announced that select CVS Pharmacy locations will be offering a two-dose primary series of the vaccine to children between age 5 to 11 years old beginning Nov. 7. Children who are getting vaccinated must be accompanied by an adult, the company said. Appointments will be available online and through the CVS app.
“We know many parents have been waiting for the opportunity to vaccinate their young children and are looking for convenient access to a trusted resource for vaccinations,” said Troyen Brennan, executive vice president and chief medical officer of CVS Health. “Our immunizers have been preparing for this important role, and stand ready to help answer parents' questions, guide them and their children through the process, and administer the vaccines safely, with kindness and caring.”
[Read more: Pharmacy chains offering COVID-19 vaccine to adolescents]
Rite Aid shared that it will begin administering the vaccine to children once doses have been distributed to its locations, with appointments beginning Nov. 6. Parents can pre-book their appointments for their young ones on Nov. 4.
Meijer is opening up its appointment scheduling tool to parents and beginning its vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11 years old beginning Nov. 9.
“We care about the communities we serve and realize this latest step on the path to maintaining our healthy communities will be an emotional relief for numerous families across the Midwest,” said Jackie Morse, Meijer vice president of pharmacy. “That's why our pharmacy team is doing its absolute best to accommodate busy schedules by offering after school and weekend vaccination appointments. Regardless of your family's obligations, it's important to know that our teams are here for you to help make the community safer.”
In addition, Walmart and Sam’s Club shared that the vaccine will be eligible for children in 5,100 pharmacies nationwide starting later this week as supply allows. Parents can find their nearest location by using Walmart’s digital appointment scheduler.
“We have an opportunity to support vaccination efforts with our caring pharmacy team, ready to answer any questions you may have,” Lisa Smith, senior director of clinical strategy and operations, Walmart U.S. said. “I like knowing I now have an opportunity to protect my children from this virus that has had such a devastating impact on so many families. Yesterday’s authorization is something to celebrate, so let’s take advantage of the gift this expanded eligibility will bring to protect our kids and communities.”