As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Valley View, an independent, nonprofit health system based in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, is offering a number of clinic opportunities for children ages 5 to 11 to receive the specialized COVID-19 vaccine for children.
There is an important window for children to get vaccinated so that they can be protected heading into the Thanksgiving holiday. The goal is to vaccinate at least 12 days prior to gathering with family and friends which means the week of November 8 is key.
“We need to seize this opportunity to get our children fully protected not only for their health but for our greater community,” said David Brooks, MD, pediatrician with Pediatric Partners and Chief Medical Officer of Valley View. “Too many children in our community and in our state have lost loved ones to this deadly disease. One in 500 kids have lost a direct caregiver due to COVID-19.”
Pediatric Partners in Glenwood Springs is committed to providing vaccinations to any 5- to 11-year-old in the community. An appointment is required, and all children must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18.
Upcoming clinics include:
- Thursday, November 11, 2-5 p.m.
- Friday, November 12, 2-5 p.m.
After these initial clinics, Pediatric Partners will continue to offer vaccinations on an ongoing basis by appointment. To schedule an appointment for a child, visit vvh.org/vaccine.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.9 million children ages 5 to 11 years in the United States have been infected with COVID-19 resulting in over 8,300 hospitalizations and 94 deaths since the start of the pandemic. COVID-19 is now in the top 10 causes of death for children ages 5 to 11 years old nationwide.
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to be over 90% effective in preventing symptomatic disease in this age group. The vaccine is 1/3 the dose of the vaccine for ages 12 and up and is given in two doses separated by three weeks. The most common side effects are pain at the injection site, fatigue and headache.
Valley View charges for the administration of the vaccine. There is no charge for the vaccine itself. If you have insurance, we will bill your insurance. If you do not have insurance there is still no charge to get the vaccine. If you have questions about your coverage, please reach out to your insurance provider directly.
Appointments are also available for established patients at Roaring Fork Family Practice, Silt Family Practice and Eagle Valley Family Practice.
For more information, please visit vvh.org/vaccine.