The Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Is Now Authorized for Children 5-11 and Will Be Available at Walmart and Sam’s Club Pharmacies Starting Later This Week
November 03 2021 - 12:04PM
Business Wire
By Lisa Smith, Senior Director of Clinical Strategy and
Operations, Walmart U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have authorized the Pfizer
vaccine for children aged 5 to 11. This is a positive step forward
in our ongoing efforts to serve and protect our communities.
As a parent of two school-aged kids, with a husband who teaches,
I understand the daily uncertainty parents around the country have
been living with. We've dealt with remote learning, hybrid learning
and concerns about classroom safety. Many schools reopened this
fall but have dealt with interruptions and closings because of
COVID-19 outbreaks, so for many, this authorization brings a big
sigh of relief.
Walmart and Sam’s Club will administer the Pfizer vaccine to
eligible children ages 5 to 11 in more than 5,100 pharmacies
nationwide starting later this week as supply allows. The FDA and
CDC have carefully evaluated the safety and effectiveness data, and
after a thorough review, based on strict safety and efficacy
standards, they determined the vaccine is safe for children aged
5-11, at one-third of the dose used for adolescents and adults.
I know parents have questions, so here are a few things you
should know:
- Check availability via online scheduler: Parents and
guardians can use Walmart’s digital appointment scheduler to find
an available Pfizer vaccine for their kids in their communities.
Simply filter by age, and our tool will show locations
administering the Pfizer vaccine in your neighborhood. Initially,
supply may be limited, so check availability via the scheduler
before heading to the pharmacy. You can make an appointment to
reserve your child’s spot in advance, or simply walk in, based on
availability. To find a COVID-19 vaccine near you, visit
Walmart.com/covidvaccine or
samsclub.com/pharmacy/immunizations.
- The Pfizer vaccine requires two doses, administered three
weeks apart: As with adults and adolescents who have been
immunized with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, children will need to
receive two doses, three weeks apart to be fully vaccinated and
protected. Your child’s second appointment will be scheduled at the
time of the first dose. Our digital appointment scheduler will send
a reminder ahead of the appointment to ensure the second dose is
administered on time.
- Side effects: According to the FDA and CDC, commonly
reported side effects in the clinical trial are similar to what’s
been seen in adults and other vaccines recommended for children.
That could mean a sore arm at the vaccination site, which was the
most commonly reported symptom, tiredness, fever or headaches. Side
effects were generally mild to moderate in severity and occurred
within two days after vaccination, and most went away within one to
two days. The CDC recommends a dose of non-aspirin pain reliever or
a cold compress at the site if kids are bothered by the side
effects.
- Consent requirements for minors: Please speak with your
pharmacist or visit your state department of health website to
learn about immunization consent requirements for minors.
We have an opportunity to support vaccination efforts with our
caring pharmacy team, ready to answer any questions you may have. I
like knowing I now have an opportunity to protect my children from
this virus that has had such a devastating impact on so many
families. Yesterday’s authorization is something to celebrate, so
let’s take advantage of the gift this expanded eligibility will
bring to protect our kids and communities.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211103005924/en/
Media contact: Marilee McInnis 1-800-331-0085
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