COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccine Approved for Children Ages 5 – 11

East Wenatchee – On Wednesday, November 3, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) endorsed the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup’s recommendation for use of an age-appropriate dose of the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine for children over the age of five.    

After reviewing evidence from a clinical trial, which included approximately 3,100 children between the ages of 5 – 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer vaccine for emergency use in children within this age group.  The clinical trial found the vaccine to be safe and over 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children.  

Chelan-Douglas Health District (CDHD), Lake Chelan Health (LCH) and Columbia Safety are working together to offer the COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 – 11.  The current plans include drive-through style pop-up clinics throughout Chelan and Douglas County.  Clinics will take place after school hours and on weekends, with the first clinics tentatively scheduled for Saturday, November 13 in Wenatchee and Chelan.  

The pop-up clinic schedule will be available at www.cdhd.wa.gov as soon as the final dates, times and locations are confirmed.  CDHD encourages families to take advantage of the upcoming popup clinics as they will be operating outside normal business hours including weekends, to accommodate busy parents and guardians.  In the meantime, parents can contact their child’s healthcare provider if they prefer to secure a COVID-19 vaccine with their family doctor.  

CDHD continues to stress the importance of a COVID-19 vaccine for everyone currently eligible as it continues to be the most effective way of protecting yourself and your loved ones against the COVID-19 virus.  Other effective ways to limit the spread of COVID-19 are masking, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding large crowds and frequent hand washing.  For more public health updates, visit www.cdhd.wa.gov and follow CDHD on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.