Pittsboro, NC – On Tuesday, November 2, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that all children ages 5-11 years old receive the COVID-19 vaccine. This decision was based on strong evidence showing the Pfizer COVID-19 pediatric vaccine is both safe and effective for children this age.With this recommendation, local providers will soon begin giving the vaccine, with more options coming in the weeks ahead as supply increases. Please call ahead or register in advance, as appointments are limited. Options for 5-11 year-olds to receive the vaccine in Chatham County include:
Talk to your child’s doctor’s office. Many will be offering the vaccine soon and can answer questions you may have about the vaccine.The Chatham County Public Health Department: Wednesday and Friday afternoons at the clinic in Siler City (1000 S. 10th Ave.), beginning this Friday, November 5. Appointments are required and slots are limited. To schedule an appointment, please call 919-742-5641.StarMed Healthcare: Wednesday afternoons from 2-7 PM at the Goldston Town Hall (40 Coral Ave.), beginning November 10. To schedule an appointment, visit starmed.care/vaccine/ or call 980-445-9818.New options are expected in the next week. Check web site for a list of providers, including options in neighboring counties.
Additionally, Woods Charter School in Chapel Hill will be hosting a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for 5-11-year-olds this Saturday, November 6. Appointments are required and slots are very limited. To see if a slot is available and to register, visit: indycarehealth.com/covid-19-vaccination-hb2. Note: If no time slots are listed under Saturday, November 6th, all appointments are filled.
“I know many are excited by this news and are eager to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Chatham County Public Health Director Mike Zelek. “We will continue to work hard to make the vaccine accessible to everyone across Chatham.”
While children are typically at lower risk of serious illness from COVID-19 than most adults, they are still at risk. The Delta variant especially has not spared children, and some have experienced long-term side effects from infection, also called “long COVID.” Additionally, nearly 100 children ages 5-11 have died from COVID-19 since the pandemic began. After a thorough review of the data, the vaccine has been shown to be safe and help children of this age from getting sick from COVID-19.
“This is an important step to helping us get back to normal,” added Zelek. “Getting vaccinated keeps children safe while engaging in activities like sports and hanging out with friends. Plus, fully vaccinated children do not need to quarantine if they are exposed to COVID-19, meaning they can remain in school.”
Ask the Doctor
Have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine for your child? Chatham County Public Health Department Medical Director Michaela McCuddy will host an Ask the Doctor session this Friday, November 5th, from 1:30-4:30. Dr. McCuddy will participate in a Facebook live Q&A session from 1:30-2:30 PM, and then be available by phone to answer individual questions between 2:30-4:30 PM. To submit a question for the Facebook live session, email Zachary Horner at zachary.horner@chathamcountync.gov. To speak with Dr. McCuddy Friday between 2:30-4:30 PM, please call the CCPHD clinic at 919-742-5641 and ask to speak with Dr. McCuddy. Due to high demand, you may be asked to leave your contact information for Dr. McCuddy to call you back.
To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and the CCPHD’s vaccination plans, visit here. To learn more about the Chatham County Public Health Department, visit web site or Facebook.