Where can children ages 5-11 get vaccinated?

• Check our list of COVID-19 pediatric vaccine providers who've let us know they will offer vaccines for 5-11-year-olds. We will continue to expand this list as more providers come online, but we cannot guarantee appointment availability at any of the clinics on this list. 
• Visit VaccineLocator to find a vaccine provider. Not every vaccine provider listed on VaccineLocator will be able to vaccinate your 5-11 year old child, but you can use the search function to help find providers that do offer pediatric Pfizer vaccines.
• Check our weekly list of local pop-up clinics regularly to see if any offer pediatric vaccines.
• If you’re making an appointment at a pharmacy, we suggest you call ahead or visit the pharmacy website to make sure the pharmacy has staff who offer pediatric vaccinations.
• There may also be school-based clinics coming soon. Watch for announcements from your child’s school about any upcoming vaccination events for 5-11-year-olds. 

Vaccine Safety and What to Expect

Is the vaccine safe for kids?

The COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer underwent extensive testing and review before receiving the FDA’s and CDC’s authorization and recommendation. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for children as young as 5 because the benefits of vaccination outweigh any risks of vaccination. 

The vaccine dose for kids ages 5-11 is about three times smaller than the dosage approved for people older than 12. This is partly because young children’s immune systems are strong and respond well to fewer antibodies, so they don’t need as large of a dose as older children and adults do. Researchers in the clinical trials chose a smaller dose for children that would be effective and safe for their bodies. 

With any vaccine, there’s always a risk of side effects. Possible side effects include a sore arm, fatigue, or pain, swelling, or inflammation near the injection site (upper arm). These side effects are normal and are a sign that the vaccine is working.

As with any vaccine, serious reactions have been rare during vaccine testing, and the benefits of getting kids vaccinated greatly outweigh any risk.

• If your child has had serious reactions to vaccines in the past or severe allergies, talk with your health care provider about getting them vaccinated for COVID-19.
• There have been rare reports of heart inflammation - myocarditis or pericarditis - after COVID-19 vaccination. Myocarditis and pericarditis are also possible side effects of COVID-19 infection, and the chance of suffering heart inflammation after COVID-19 infection is much, much higher than after vaccination. Public health and medical experts agree that the benefit of getting vaccinated is greater than the risk of heart inflammation.
• Read this full list of possible reactions.

It’s natural and normal to be concerned about the choices you make about your child’s health. If you have more questions about getting your child vaccinated against COVID-19, talk to your child’s health care provider, just like you would for your other health concerns.

How much will it cost?

The vaccine will be provided to kids at no cost. It will be covered by Medicaid (Apple Health) and most private insurance. Uninsured parents and caregivers will have their vaccination costs covered by the federal government if they vaccinate at a Whatcom County Health Department pop-up clinic. Find our weekly pop-up clinic list by visiting our vaccination page.

When is my child considered fully vaccinated?

The criteria for full vaccination for kids ages 5-11 is the same as for everyone else. Kids are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after they’ve gotten their second Pfizer shot. Currently, boosters are not recommended for anyone younger than 12.