WOONSOCKET, R.I., Nov. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CVS Health (NYSE:
CVS) today announced that select CVS Pharmacy locations will be
offering a two-dose primary series of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19
pediatric vaccine to children ages five to 11 years of age starting
on Sunday, 11/7, upon receipt and confirmation of vaccine supply.
This follows authorization of the vaccine by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) based on guidance from the
organization's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Emergency Use Authorization.
Parental or legal guardian consent is required for this age group,
and children must be accompanied by an adult.
"We know many parents have been waiting for the opportunity to
vaccinate their young children and are looking for convenient
access to a trusted resource for vaccinations," said Troyen A.
Brennan, M.D., MPH, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical
Officer of CVS Health. "Our immunizers have been preparing for this
important role, and stand ready to help answer parents' questions,
guide them and their children through the process, and administer
the vaccines safely, with kindness and caring."
The Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine is one-third of the adult
dose and will be available at nearly 1,700 CVS Pharmacy locations
in 46 states, Puerto Rico and
Washington D.C. Because the
Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is the only FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine
for children in this age group, patients are strongly encouraged to
schedule an appointment online at CVS.com or through the CVS App to
ensure availability. The scheduling tool will only display
appointments at CVS Pharmacy locations that have the
Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine once the patient's age is
provided.
CVS Health has administered approximately 43 million COVID-19
vaccines to date and has been administering the COVID-19 vaccine to
children ages 12 years and older since authorized by the FDA and
recommended for that age group by the CDC earlier this year. In
addition, CVS Pharmacy has comprehensive experience in safely
providing many other vaccines to children, such as seasonal flu,
Tdap and chickenpox. Parents must accompany children ages five to
15 years of age, and CVS Pharmacy recommends that children wear
clothing that allows easy access to their arms, such as a short
sleeve shirt. As with the adult COVID-19 vaccination, children and
their parent or guardian will need to remain in the pharmacy area
for at least 15 minutes following vaccination for observation.
CVS Pharmacy locations that will be administering the vaccine to
children ages five to 11 years were selected because these
locations have vaccinators on site who are solely focused on
administering vaccines. CVS vaccinators in these locations have
also received additional training on managing pediatric
vaccinations to help ensure the best experience for children and
their families. In addition, CVS Health is developing an in-store
experience focused on reassuring and supporting the child and their
parent or guardian throughout the process. This includes the
introduction of various child-friendly elements in the coming weeks
designed to help motivate and reward the children and help keep
them entertained during the post-vaccination observation
period.
CVS Health has played a prominent role in administering third
doses to immunocompromised patients and booster shots to eligible
populations, while continuing to focus on removing the barriers
that make it difficult for certain populations to easily access the
COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, the company has administered
approximately 38 million COVID-19 tests across the country to
date.
Multimedia assets, including sound bites from Stephanie Whyte, MD, a trained pediatrician and
Senior Clinical Solutions Medical Director for CVS Health, and
b-roll and still photography from in-store pediatric COVID-19
vaccinations, are available here.
About CVS Health
CVS Health is the leading health
solutions company, delivering care like no one else can. We reach
more people and improve the health of communities across America
through our local presence, digital channels and our nearly 300,000
dedicated colleagues – including more than 40,000 physicians,
pharmacists, nurses, and nurse practitioners. Wherever and whenever
people need us, we help them with their health – whether that's
managing chronic diseases, staying compliant with their
medications, or accessing affordable health and wellness services
in the most convenient ways. We help people navigate the health
care system – and their personal health care – by improving access,
lowering costs and being a trusted partner for every meaningful
moment of health. And we do it all with heart, each and every day.
Learn more at www.cvshealth.com.
Media contact
Matthew
Blanchette
401-524-6185
Matthew.Blanchette@cvshealth.com
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SOURCE CVS Health