On Tuesday, Nov. 2, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved recommendations, under Emergency Use Authorization, to offer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5-11.

Johnson County Department of Health and Environment will begin offering these shots to the pediatric population by appointment, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (last appointment is 3:30 p.m.), Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and from 1 – 7 p.m. (last appointment at 6:30 p.m.) on Tuesdays, starting Nov. 8, at the Mission clinic located at 6000 Lamar Ave.

Appointments can be scheduled at jocogov.org/coronavirus. Vaccinations are given in private exam rooms by nurses who are experienced in administering pediatric vaccines.

Children ages 15 and younger must have a parent, guardian or other designated adult present.

These vaccines are also available at other providers, including physician offices and pharmacies. Parents and caregivers should also check with the child’s health care provider for vaccine availability.

Information about the vaccine will be discussed at a Facebook Live event on at 12:30 p. m., on Thursday, Nov. 4. link is facebook.com/jocohealthdept.

The discussion will include Sanmi Areola, PhD, JCDHE director and Jennifer Watts, M.D.,

Children’s Mercy Hospital.

“The Pfizer pediatric vaccine for children was determined to be safe and very effective against symptomatic COVID disease, according to the FDA review of the Pfizer data. We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity to get school-age children vaccinated,” said Dr. Sanmi Areola, JCDHE director.

Those with questions about vaccines and residents in need of assistance to schedule appointments can call 913-715-2819 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. They can also send an email to jcdhe@jocogov.org. Emails are answered 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Spanish speakers will be available to answer calls or emails.

Those who are eligible can search for a nearby vaccine provider by visiting vaccines.gov, texting their ZIP code to 438829 or calling 1-800-232-0233.