Word came on Wednesday
Kids ages 12 and up can get the Covid-19 booster. As in-school learning in Philadelphia hangs by a thread, it’s music to the ears of many parents.
I’m so lucky that my daughter’s pediatrician is also a good friend. She arranged for her 12-year-old blondie to get boosted and mine too! We’re very fortunate.
Here’s what the Pennsylvania Department of Health has to say about the new guidelines:
Following the approval process by the federal government, the Department of Health confirmed that children ages 12 and older are now eligible for a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster dose five months after completing the primary series.
The five-month booster interval was updated from the previous authorization of six months and is applicable to anyone 12 years of age and older who received the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for their primary vaccination series.
“It is great news to see booster eligibility expanded and we know providers are ready to offer more protection for Pennsylvanians,” Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson said. “The Department of Health urges all eligible Pennsylvanians who have yet to get vaccinated to do so immediately and for those people who are eligible to receive a booster shot to get that added level of protection as soon as possible.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also amended the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to allow for a third primary series dose for certain immunocompromised children 5 to 11 years old, at least 28 days following the second dose.
Children between the ages of 5 and 11 who are fully vaccinated and are not immunocompromised are not eligible for a third dose at this time, but the Department of Health continues to review relevant information and studies from the FDA and CDC.
“The virus is evolving, and we need to adapt and follow the science to stay ahead of it. The omicron variant appears to be slightly more resistant to the primary series of all approved vaccines,” Acting Secretary of Health Keara Klinepeter said. “While it is important to become fully vaccinated, we need every eligible Pennsylvanian to get their booster dose to maximize protection for you and your loved ones.”
While anyone 18 years and older may receive any vaccine regardless of which brand of vaccine was received for primary vaccination, those who are 5 to 17 years old are only eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine.
Pennsylvania vaccine providers, including pediatricians, primary care physicians, pharmacies, and federally qualified health centers, are able to schedule booster doses and are ready to administer booster appointments now.
To find a COVID-19 vaccine provider near you, please visit www.vaccines.gov.
South Jersey Boosters
If you live in South Jersey, there are vaccination options this weekend. Cooper University Health Care says this:
To continue expanding vaccination rates in the region, Cooper University Health Care in conjunction with the New Jersey Department of Health and the Camden Coalition of Health Care Providers will once again offer a mobile walk-up COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Cherry Hill Mall this weekend, January 7-9. Everyone who receives a vaccination will receive a $25 gift card, courtesy of Camden Coalition.
The following vaccines will be available: Pfizer: ages 5 and older; Moderna: ages 18 and older; and Johnson & Johnson: ages 18 and older. No appointments are necessary. First, second, and booster dose vaccines are available. In addition to providing COVID-19 vaccinations, the medical team will be available to answer questions and concerns. Those who have received previous vaccinations should bring their vaccine card.
Cooper’s mobile clinic will be located at mall space 1776, which is located on the second floor, across from Forever 21 and Nordstrom’s at the following dates and times:
Friday, January 7 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Saturday, January 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, January 9 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phillytweens wants to see your booster pics! Email them to us at info@phillytweens.com
Stay safe!
