The CDC has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech* and Moderna* COVID-19 vaccines for children between 6 months and 5 years

*All vaccines are subject to availability.

Find locations at the bottom of this page or call for details.

Everyone older than 6 months is now eligible to receive the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine to protect against serious illnesses related to the COVID-19 virus. The J&J/Janssen vaccine is not authorized for anyone under 18 years of age. The bivalent Pfizer vaccine is recommended for everyone 12 years and older and the bivalent Moderna vaccine is recommended for adults 18 years and older.

The CDC says getting children vaccinated can help reduce disruptions to in-person learning at school and other activities, as it will help curb the spread of the virus throughout the community. All children, including kids who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated.

Here’s what parents and caregivers should know:

• The vaccine for children 6 months and older has been intensively tested and monitored for safety and will continue to be as children across the country receive the vaccine.
• Clinical trials found that the vaccine side effects were mild and similar to those seen in other routine vaccinations.
• The CDC notes that vaccination helps protect children from getting COVID-19 and reduces their risk of severe disease, hospitalizations, or developing long-term COVID-19 complications.
• The COVID-19 vaccine has been and continues to be, the most intensely monitored vaccine in U.S. history.

Make your appointment or walk into CHI health centers that offer pediatric services to get your child vaccinated against COVID-19. See the list of participating health centers and walk-in times at the bottom of this page.

The NEW Bivalent Pfizer and Moderna Boosters
are now available at CHI!

Everyone eligible for a booster shot can receive the Bivalent Pfizer or Moderna booster. The updated Bivalent boosters provide broad protection against COVID-19, including better protection against the Omicron variant.

The CDC recommends that those eligible for boosters, receive one dose of an updated bivalent booster at least two months after their last dose.

That means either at least two months after the final dose of a primary vaccine series or at least two months after their last booster shot. It is also recommended after 90 days of a positive COVID-19 test.

The Bivalent Pfizer and Moderna Boosters are available at the following CHI health center:

Doris Ison Health Center
Wednesdays & Thursdays
10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

See the table below for age eligibility.

The CDC recommends COVID-19 booster vaccines* to anyone ages 5 years and older

*All boosters are subject to availability.

Find locations below to call for details.

Mix & Match Your Booster Shot

The CDC now also allows you to choose which vaccine to receive as a booster. For example, if you received a Moderna vaccine as your initial set of doses, you may choose to receive a Pfizer-BioNTech or Johnson & Johnson booster.

CDC details on booster guidelines can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html

WE ARE NOW DOING GIVING VACCINES AT ALL OF OUR HEALTH CENTERS DURING OPERATING HOURS.

IT’S FAST AND EASY! FOR CHILDREN’S VACCINES PLEASE GO TO ONE OF OUR PEDIATRIC LOCATIONS. GET YOUR VACCINE TODAY.

WALK IN OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT:

These CHI health centers provide the COVID-19 pediatric vaccine for patients 6 months and older, as well as the COVID-19 vaccine for adults.

More information about the vaccine:

• • The vaccine is free.

FAQ

WHY SHOULD I GET THE COVID VACCINE?

IS THE COVID VACCINE SAFE?

Yes. The COVID vaccine has been very well studied, and so far, side effects have been minimal. They include injection pain and low-grade fever.

WASN’T THE COVID VACCINE DEVELOPED TOO FAST?

The technology used for these vaccines was developed years ago for similar corona viruses. Most importantly, the entire world and governments pumped significant funding into developing the vaccine. Available funding allowed for the construction of manufacturing plants even before the vaccine testing was completed.

SHOULD I GET THE COVID VACCINE IF I ALREADY HAD COVID?

The current recommendation is yes. It is thought that the vaccine strengthens immunity over a longer period than the disease.

HOW SOON AFTER A COVID INFECTION CAN YOU GET THE VACCINE?

HOW SOON AFTER EXPOSURE TO COVID (WITHOUT ACQUIRING THE DISEASE) CAN I GET THE VACCINE?

IF I CAN PREVENT GETTING INFECTED WITH MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING, WHY SHOULD I GET THE VACCINE?

Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce your chances of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. Vaccines work to strengthen your immune system so you can be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed.

DO I NEED TO WEAR A MASK WHEN I GET THE COVID VACCINE?

Yes. The COVID vaccine prevents serious diseases in 95% of people. There will be 5% who may still get very sick. Additionally, it is thought that you can still transmit COVID to your loved ones if you get exposed to the vaccine, even if you don’t get sick.

DO I NEED TO WEAR A MASK WHEN I GET THE COVID VACCINE?

At this time, the science suggests that if you are exposed to the virus, you can become infected again and transmit the virus to another person, even if you don’t become very sick yourself. Remember to wear your masks, social distance, and perform hand hygiene as recommended.