South Florida pharmacies offering COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 to 11

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Young children in South Florida are now able to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

“It’s exciting because it’s going to be back to normal, and it was really easy,” Ryan said. “When I get my second vaccine, I’ll be completely vax, so I’ll be happy.”

Kids ages five to 11 are eligible to get their shot at Walgreens, Winn Dixie, and Fresco Y Mas, beginning Saturday morning.

On Tuesday the CDC approved the vaccine for that age group, marking a major milestone in the fight against COVID-19.

“For parents all over this country, this is a day of relief and celebration,” President Joe Biden said.

“Us as pharmacists have been looking forward to playing this critical role and still coming out of this pandemic, protecting our community and now our young ones,” said Anneliese Szutenbach, a Walgreens store manager and pharmacist.

According to health experts, vaccine demand is high for young children.

The vaccines will soon be available at schools, hospitals, and pediatricians’ offices.

Kids can get the shot at 40 school sites in Miami-Dade County.

“Vaccinating our children will help keep our schools open, kids in the classroom,” said Biden.

A study by Pfizer showed that its vaccine was almost 91% effective in preventing illness in young children.

The vaccine for children is the same as the one adults get, but smaller.

“This is a third of a dose which we saw in the adolescents and adults so it’s 10 micrograms as opposed to 30 micrograms,” said Dr. Marcos Mestre, Chief Medical Officer Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.