Notes from Commissioner Infante-Green
Vaccination Now Available for Children Age 5-11
We are excited to share that children age 5 to 11 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine! The vaccine for younger children was reviewed extensively before federal health officials authorized its use. It was determined to be 90.7% effective against symptomatic COVID-19 disease in children 5 to 11, and no significant safety issues were identified. These doses are specifically for children 5 to 11, and require two doses administered at least three weeks apart.
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is working with local schools, cities, and towns to run COVID-19 vaccination clinics for children age 5 to 11. Clinics will start the week of November 8, and there will be at least two clinics in every city and town (for first and second doses).
All clinics will be open to all children 5 to 11 years old (not just the children who attend the host school). Parents or guardians can complete a consent form when registering online. A parent or guardian must be with the child at the vaccination clinic. Online appointments for these clinics can be found at covid.ri.gov/5to11vaccine.
There are also a number of other options for vaccinating children, including the Sockanosset State-run vaccination site, at which you can schedule an appointment online at www.vaccinateri.org or by phone at 844-930-1779. Vaccine for children age 5 to 11 will also be available at many CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Stop and Shop sites, as well as the offices of some primary care providers.
You can learn more about the vaccine at covid.ri.gov/5to11vaccinefaqs. RIDOH will also host two Virtual Town Hall events on November 8 with community pediatricians to help answer parents’ questions about COVID-19 vaccine. The English session will start at 6 p.m. The Spanish session will start at 7 p.m.
We know that the vaccine works and will help to end this pandemic. We want all Rhode Island students who are eligible to get vaccinated. We want them to stay healthy, be ready to learn in school, and have fun playing sports or doing other activities they enjoy.
With gratitude and in partnership,
Angélica