Pediatric doses of the Pfizer COVID vaccine are beginning to arrive in Louisiana for children, age five to eleven. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter said by the end of next week the state should have received 148,000 doses.
“The message to families is to call ahead to your vaccine provider, whether it’s a pharmacy or a clinic. Make sure they have it in stock. They all should have them in stock by the end of next week, but some are literally still in the mail right now,” said Kanter.
The vaccine dose for this age group is a third of the adult dose and consists of two doses given 21 days apart. The pediatric dose is packaged differently so doses won’t be confused with those for 12 and older and/or those for adults. The pediatric doses are also being shipped with smaller needles.
Dr. Rachel Chatters, President of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics urged parents to have their children vaccinated to protect them from illness and keep them in school as much as possible.
“Being able to just be quote-unquote normal. And one of the processes for that is to get them the best protection possible and for us at this time that is immunization,” said Chatters.
Chatters also pointed out that it’s the beginning of flu season and children can safely be immunized for both at the same time.
Dr. John Vanchiere, Chief of Pediatrics at LSU-Health Shreveport, who is also an investigator for the Pfizer vaccine clinical trial, said five- to eleven-year-olds account for 28 million of the nation’s population…
“And represent a real important school-aged group to vaccinate so that we can prevent the next surge from coming,” said Vanchiere.
Vanchiere said no shortcuts were taken in the safety protocols or in the production of the vaccine, only the bureaucratic burden was reduced.
Reported side effects are comparable to adults for example pain at the injection site, fatigue, fever, muscle ache, and headache.
For a list of available providers call 2-1-1 or the state’s vaccine hotline at 1-855-453-0774
For more information on the vaccine for children visit LDH.la.gov
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