Mayo Clinic COVID-19 vaccination plans for children 5–11
11/4/2021 by Robert M. Jacobson, M.D.
Last week the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for this age group. This is a form of the vaccine just for this age group. It is one third the dose. It works just as well in this age group. It makes the same level of antibodies. It protects just as well. But it causes no more side effects than the dose does for teens and young adults.
It is also a 2-dose vaccine. It is also given 21 days apart.
This week the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices made its decision. It recommends children 5‒11 years old get this COVID-19 vaccine. Mayo Clinic agrees. It recommends parents get their children this age vaccinated now.
Parents can expect their health care team to contact them. This will be by portal or mail. Parents will be invited to make an appointment. All vaccinations require an appointment at this time.
To schedule your child's appointment
- Use your child's Patient Online Services caregiver account or the Mayo Clinic App. If you don't have a caregiver account, call Mayo Clinic Customer Assistance. That number is 877-858-0398.
- Call 507-538-4040 to schedule at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester and Kasson COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic (3033 41st Street NW in Rochester).
- Talk to your provider at a regularly scheduled visit to receive the vaccination that day.
For more information about preparing your child for the vaccination appointment or contact numbers at other Mayo Clinic facilities, visit the Mayo News Network.
Robert M. Jacobson, M.D., is the medical director of the Southeast Minnesota Primary Care Immunization Program.
Information in this article was accurate at the time of its posting. Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific understanding, along with guidelines and recommendations, may have changed since the original publication date.