HOUSTON — The CDC director has given final approval for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine for elementary school kids. An advisory panel signed off on vaccinations for children ages 5-11 in early November.
Many providers – including pediatricians, children’s hospitals, health departments and pharmacies – already have plans in place to start getting shots in the arms of children as soon as possible.
Houston Health Department
Children as young as 5 can now get free COVID-19 shots at Houston Health Department vaccination sites, including health centers, some multi-service centers and pop-up sites across Houston.
The sites do not require appointments or insurance, but parental consent is needed.
“This is another huge milestone in the fight to save more lives from this deadly virus and overcome the pandemic,” said Dr. David Persse, Chief Medical Officer for the City of Houston. “While children generally recover from COVID-19, some get sick enough to require hospitalization and suffer long-term health consequences. By reducing COVID-19 cases among children, there will be fewer disruptions to in-person learning and increased protection for the community.”
Data show the vaccine is over 90% effective at preventing COVID-19 in children ages 5-11.
Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is one-third the dose as the adult dosage and administered in two shots at least three weeks apart.
After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, children may have side effects such as a sore arm, headache and fatigue. These mild side effects are normal signs their body is building protection and should go away in a few days.
The department’s pop-up sites frequently include schools, and it will expand school partnerships with the rollout of the vaccine for the 5-11 age group.
Visit houstonhealth.org or call 832-393-4220 to find a nearby free vaccination site or schedule an appointment.
Texas Children's Hospital
The Texas Children's Hospital has been taking vaccine appointments for kids since November. Appointments are available through the hospital’s website.
Harris County Public Health District
Harris County Public Health District is currently scheduling appointments for children ages 5 and up at clinics throughout the county.
No insurance is required.
You can schedule an appointment by visiting ReadyHarris.org or calling 832-927-8787 to register.
Memorial Hermann Hospital
The COVID-19 vaccine is being offered to new and established patients ages 5 and above at Children’s Memorial Hermann Pediatrics locations and a number of Memorial Hermann-affiliated pediatrician practices. Parents should call their pediatrician’s office to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
If your pediatrician’s office is not offering COVID-19 vaccination, please visit one of Memorial Hermann’s COVID-19 Vaccine Walk-In Clinics that offers the Pfizer vaccine.
Note: Memorial Hermann locations administering the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine will only vaccinate individuals 18 years of age and older.
To schedule an appointment at one of Memorial Hermann’s COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics, please complete the online COVID-19 Vaccination Request Form.
UTMB Health
Appointments are now available through Galveston County Health District and UTMB Health.
To schedule an appointment through the health district, click here or call 409.938.7221, option 1.
To schedule an appointment through your child’s UTMB pediatrician, click here or book via MyChart.
CVS Pharmacies
Select CVS pharmacy locations will begin offering the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5 to 11.
In November, CVS Health said 1,700 locations are now accepting appointments for the pediatric vaccine. Parents should schedule an appointment online at CVS.com or through the CVS pharmacy app.
Walgreens
Walgreens also announced that it will offer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5 to 11 in thousands of stores.
The company said appointments are now available and can be made through the appointment scheduler at Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, through the Walgreens app or by calling 1-800-Walgreens.
Walmart and Sam's Club
Walmart and Sam's Club pharmacies have been offering kids' COVID-19 vaccines, according to an online post by Lisa Smith, Walmart's Sr. Director of Clinical Strategy and Operations.
Smith said that the pediatric vaccine will be available in more than 5,100 pharmacies, though supply may be limited initially.
Parents and guardians can use Walmart’s online appointment scheduler to find an available Pfizer vaccine in their communities. Once you filter by age, the tool will show locations administering the kids' Pfizer vaccine in your neighborhood.
To find a COVID-19 vaccine at a Walmart or Sam's Club, visit Walmart.com/covidvaccine or samsclub.com/pharmacy/immunizations.
Texas Health Department
The Texas Department of State Health Services offers plenty of resources to find vaccines near you. Their website includes options for Spanish speakers and homebound residents.
CDC vaccine finder
The CDC also has a nationwide vaccine finder. Just put in your ZIP code and the type of vaccine you want and it will show options in your area.