Article
Walgreens Offering COVID-19 Vaccination to Children 5 to 11 Years of Age
Author(s):
On November 6, Walgreens began administering Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to children 5 to 11 years of age in stores nationwide, according to a press release from the company. This announcement follows the FDA Emergency Use Authorization and new guidance for this population from the CDC. Parents or legal guardians of children in this age range are now able to schedule appointments for vaccination.
“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, MD, chief medical officer at Walgreens, in the release. “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.”
According to the release, children in this age group are at least as likely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 as adults and are at risk of severe illness. Approximately 40% of Walgreens locations offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children 5 to 11 years of age are located in areas with a high Social Vulnerability Index score. Prior research has suggested that COVID-19 has affected the health of Black and Hispanic children in these areas disproportionately.
To be vaccinated, the patient’s date of birth will be required to confirm eligibility. A parent or guardian must be present during vaccination, due to privacy regulations, and children can receive a flu shot at the same time as their COVID-19 vaccination. Walgreens will be offering appointment times after school hours to accommodate individual family schedules, and additional appointments will be offered on Saturdays through November 20.
REFERENCE
Walgreens to provide Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 5 to 11 at select stores nationwide beginning Saturday [news release]. Walgreens; November 3, 2021. Accessed November 5, 2021. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211103005652/en/
