Local health unit rolls out pediatric vaccinations today

Pfizer via AP, File
This photo provided in October by Pfizer shows kid-size doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Puurs, Belgium.
Pfizer via AP, File This photo provided in October by Pfizer shows kid-size doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Puurs, Belgium.

The Garland County Health Unit is now offering the pediatric Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 years old, with a pop-up clinic being held today at its 1425 Malvern Ave. location.

No appointments are necessary and the pediatric vaccines will be available from 8 a.m. to noon.

Garland County Health Unit Administrator Susan G. Lester said Friday she is very excited to be offering the vaccine and helping children throughout Garland County in the quest to getting back to a normal, healthy status in the community.

She said the vaccine supply is still coming to Garland County from Little Rock and they are working on getting it distributed out to the local providers and having it available in the local clinics.

"We just appreciate everyone helping to slow the spread of COVID and we appreciate the support for our unit, for the Garland County Health Unit," she said. "Our COVID task force, our county judge, our city manager, our police, fire, ambulance, hospitals, the schools. ... Here in Garland County we're united and I think that it's made a big difference in the fight against COVID."

Video not playing? Click here https://www.youtube.com/embed/hKhsAD9a5Zc

The rollout comes after Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle P. Walensky endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' recommendation for children 5 to 11 years old to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine on Tuesday.

"Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation's fight against the virus that causes COVID-19," Walensky said.

"We know millions of parents are eager to get their children vaccinated and with this decision, we now have recommended that about 28 million children receive a COVID-19 vaccine. As a mom, I encourage parents with questions to talk to their pediatrician, school nurse or local pharmacist to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting their children vaccinated," she said.

To increase availability to the public, the health unit will be holding special vaccine clinics as well as dedicated hours of operation. On Monday and Wednesday, the health unit will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The primary focus on each day from 4:30 to 6 p.m. will on the pediatric COVID vaccinations.

According to the health department, while no appointments are needed, there may be a wait due to prior appointments for scheduled services.

The health unit will be closed Nov. 11 for Veterans Day but beginning the following day, it will continue providing the pediatric COVID vaccines, with no appointments needed, during normal working hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday.

Distribution of the pediatric vaccine started this week across the country, with plans to scale up to full capacity starting next week. According to the CDC's news release Tuesday, the vaccines will be available at thousands of locations including pediatric health care provider offices, pharmacies, and federally qualified health centers.

"COVID-19 vaccines have undergone -- and will continue to undergo -- the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history," the release said. "Vaccinating children will help protect them from getting COVID-19 and therefore reducing their risk of severe disease, hospitalizations, or developing long-term COVID-19 complications. Getting your children vaccinated can help protect them against COVID-19, as well as reduce disruptions to in-person learning and activities by helping curb community transmission."

As the spread of the delta variant resulted in a surge of COVID-19 cases among children throughout the summer, COVID-19 hospitalizations among children and adolescents increased fivefold from late June to mid-August. According to the CDC, vaccination, along with other preventive measures, can protect children using the same vaccines recommended for adolescents and adults.

"Similar to what was seen in adult vaccine trials, vaccination was nearly 91% effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years," the CDC said in the release. "In clinical trials, vaccine side effects were mild, self-limiting, and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. The most common side effect was a sore arm."

The health unit also continues to administer flu vaccinations and Pfizer COVID booster vaccinations, as well as the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine for ages 18 and older. No appointments are needed. They provide free COVID testing until 3 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and until noon on Fridays.

Those wanting a COVID test must park their vehicle in a parking space reserved by a numbered cone, stay inside their vehicle and call 501-624-3394 to inform the representatives which number is indicated on the cone. They continue to offer their full range of health services inside their facility. Along with requiring a face mask to enter, the health unit also has a machine that takes people's temperatures. Those with elevated temperatures are not allowed to enter.

Upcoming Events