Children between the ages of 5 to 11 are now able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to a Florida Department of Health in Marion County press release, vaccinations for those children under the age of 12 will begin on Monday, November 15.
Any parents, guardians, or caregivers who are interested in obtaining a vaccination for their children can make an appointment now through the Florida Department of Health in Marion County website.
Appointments can be made Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the department’s main office, which is located at 1801 SE 32nd Avenue in Ocala.
The vaccine is available for free, according to the press release.
Anyone with questions about vaccines for children under the age of 12 are encouraged to consult with their health care provider.
The department is making doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine available for the 5-11 age group. The Food and Drug Administration has not yet approved other manufacturer’s vaccines for children.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children under the age of 12 has the same active ingredients as the vaccine given to adults and adolescents, but the dose for children (ages 5 to 11) is only one-third the amount found in the adult vaccine.
The vaccine is also administered with smaller needles designed specifically for children.
Additionally, vaccines remain available for people 12 and older at the Department of Health in Marion County and throughout Marion County at many pharmacies, doctor’s offices, clinics, and health centers.
For more information on vaccine locations, visit the Florida Department of Health vaccine locator website.