ANNAPOLIS, Md. — More than 500,000 Maryland children are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, according to Gov. Larry Hogan.
Following on the heels of CDC approval of the Pfizer vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11, Maryland health officials authorized all state providers to schedule appointments and host clinics to begin vaccinating children against COVID-19.
Just like for adults, the Pfizer vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds is a two-shot regimen, spaced three weeks apart. However, the vaccine dose for children is one-third of the 30-microgram dose used for people 12 and older.
Hogan said the state placed an initial order of 180,000 child-sized doses, which arrived from Pfizer shortly before the CDC approval; many of the doses have already been distributed to providers across the state.
“Our primary goal with all of these actions is to make sure that parents have all of the information they need to make the best informed decision for their family, because ultimately this decision is up to—and should be left to—Maryland parents and families," the governor said.
Here is where Hogan says Pfizer vaccines can be found for children ages 5-11:
- Pediatricians and family physicians
- Pharmacies
- Local health departments
- School clinics
RELATED: No, the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine dosage is not the same for kids ages 5 to 11 as it is for adults
According to Dr.Jinlene Chan, Maryland's deputy secretary of public health services, at the beginning of 2021, 6% of COVID-19 patients were under 10 years old. In the last two to three months, 14% of new cases have been among children under the age of 10. Chan added that 700 children under the age of 12 have been hospitalized with COVID during the pandemic.
Chan also clarified that just like teens and adults, children may experience mild side effects from the vaccine including:
- pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
- fatigue
- headache
- muscle and joint pain
- mild fever
- chills
Under the current regulations, any Marylander 18 and older can choose to be vaccinated with Pfizer, Moderna or J&J. However, those ages 5-17, are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
Walgreens announced Wednesday that parents will be able to get their children vaccinated at select stores nationwide. Appointments can be made by visiting the Walgreens website here, through the Walgreens app or by calling 1-800-Walgreens. More appointments will be available in the coming weeks as more vaccine shipments are received.
CVS Health is also now taking appointments for children 5-11 to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as early as Nov. 7 at 1,700 locations, including two in D.C. Parents and legal guardians are encouraged to schedule an appointment on the CVS website or through the CVS Pharmacy app.
Vaccines are also expected to be available at Giant, Grubb’s, Safeway, and Walmart.