This summer, Children’s of Mississippi saw a “twin-demic” of RSV, a common respiratory infection, and COVID-19. "We encourage parents to protect their children from COVID-19 and also to make sure their children are up to date on vaccinations against flu, measles, whooping cough and other diseases."ĬOVID-19's Delta variant caused the number of children hospitalized nationally to increase fivefold, according to the CDC. "Vaccines are our best option for ending this pandemic," she said. April Palmer, professor and chief of pediatric infectious diseases, hope. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine has been shown to be nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 in children ages 5 to 11, which gives Dr.
The vaccine received full approval from the CDC in August for use in those 16 and older. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends vaccinations for children 5 and older, and clinical trials of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are underway among children as young as 6 months. Previously, the vaccine was available to ages 12 to 15 through an emergency use authorization approved in May. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved an emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 5 to 11. "Because of the risks that COVID-19 and complications such as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), we think vaccination offers the best protection from serious illness.”Įarlier this month, the U.S.
"A child who has been vaccinated has protection from catching COVID-19, spreading it to others and possibly having severe symptoms and complications,” Taylor said. Thames Chair and professor of pediatrics, said vaccinations are a layer of protection for children as winter months and holidays approach.
Just like adults, those 5 to 11 years old are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second vaccine dose.Dr. "I’m extremely proud of the team we have at the Batson Kids Clinic and the efforts that are going into getting this vaccine to our patients."Ĭhildren get a third of the dosage of the vaccine than adults in each of two shots, given 21 days apart. "We have volunteers from the School of Nursing, the School of Pharmacy and various departments across the UMMC campus who have stepped forward to assist in our efforts to get children vaccinated safely and efficiently," he said.
Benjamin Dillard, division director of general pediatrics and pediatric urgent care. The Batson Kids Clinic vaccination appointments are open to all children 5 to 11 years old and not just those who are Children’s of Mississippi or UMMC patients, said Dr. Stadium Circle in Jackson by Veterans Memorial Stadium. Parents should make appointments for their children online at umc.edu/healthcare/make-an-appointment or by calling (601) 815-5300 or (888) 815-2005. Main Content UMMC COVID vaccination appointments now available for children 5 to 11īy: Annie Oeth, ages 5 to 11 can receive doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine through the University of Mississippi Medical Center at Children’s of Mississippi’s Batson Kids Clinic in Jackson. Zenus Marshall of Jackson, with mom Shelearria Gaylor beside him, watches as nurse manager Kristen Cherry places a bandage on his arm after COVID-19 vaccination.