HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Reno County Health Department is now administering Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster doses to children aged 5 through 11 if it has been at least five months since the completion of a primary series of the vaccine.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorization for the Pfizer vaccine earlier this week. That action was followed by the recommendation from the Advisory Council for Immunization Practices (ACIP) on Thursday.
Since the pandemic began, more than 4.8 million children ages 5 through 11 have been diagnosed with COVID-19, 15,000 have been hospitalized, and over 180 have died.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also strengthened their recommendation that immunocompromised individuals over the age of 12, and those 50 years and older should receive a second booster dose at least four months after their first.
The Reno County Health Department is administering vaccines during their normal operating hours. They will administer Pfizer-BioNTech primary doses, and booster doses for those aged 5 and over. The Moderna vaccine is available for primary doses and booster doses for ages 18 and over. Walk-ins are accepted for ages 12 and over, but appointments are required for children aged 5-11. Call 620-694-2900 and select option 6 for scheduling. The vaccine is free to any Reno County resident, regardless of citizen status or insurance.
The Health Department is open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 7:30am to 6pm, Wednesday from 9am to 6pm, and Friday from 7:30am to noon. For more information on the vaccines or to find additional vaccine providers, visit www.vaccines.gov.