Houston Health Department offering more COVID-19 vaccine options for children ages 6 to 17 years old

The Houston Health Department is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination options for children ages 6 to 17 years old.

Moderna will join Pfizer after the recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommended another option for families choosing a COVID-19 vaccine for children in this age group.

The ACIP recommendation comes after a thorough review of the scientific evidence demonstrating safety and efficacy, and supports the use of the vaccine among those 6 through 17 years old.

“More options to vaccinate young children is a very important tool to have right now with our COVID-19 rate climbing,” said Dr. David Persse, chief medical officer for the City of Houston. “This recommendation by the CDC ensures families can make the right decision when they vaccinate their children and prevent the potential of serious illness and stop the spread.”

The Moderna vaccine is administered in a two-dose series, with the second shot given a least four to eight weeks after the first.

COVID-19 vaccines have undergone – and will continue to undergo – the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.

Children may experience some side effects after receiving the vaccine including pain, swelling, and redness in the arm where the shot was given, fever, tiredness, headache, chills, muscle or joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes.

Visit houstonhealth.org or call 832-393-4220 for information on locations and schedules.

COVID-19 vaccination at health department sites is free and does not require insurance or proof of residency.

Vaccines are also readily available at doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and clinics.