COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics for Children Ages 5-11

Vaccine clinics for children ages 5-11 were held from November 8 - December 9, 2021. More than 6,200 doses were administered during this time.

Lost and found: If you lost something at one of our vaccine clinics, please call Beach Cities Health District's Youth Well-Being Line supported by allcove Beach Cities at: 310-374-3426 and press option 2, Tuesday - Friday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine for 5-11 year olds

On November 2, 2021, CDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that children 5-11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19 with the Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine. Read more here. The Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup also concluded that the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is safe and effective for children 5-11 years old.

Will the Pfizer vaccine for children 5-11 years old differ from the current product for adolescents and adults?
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5-11 year-olds will be a new product with new packaging, new product configuration (10-dose vial), different dosage and injection volume, and have a new National Drug Code (NDC). Current product for adults and adolescents cannot be used in children under 12 years of age.

Is the vaccine effective in this age group?
Immune responses of children 5-11 years old were comparable to those of individuals 16-25 years old. In addition, the vaccine was found to be 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children 5-11. Source: FDA

Is the vaccine safe for children?
The vaccine’s safety was studied in approximately 3,100 children 5-11 years old who received the vaccine and no serious side effects have been detected in the ongoing study. Source: FDA

How is the vaccine administered?
The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for children 5-11 years old is administered as a two-dose primary series, 3 weeks apart, but is a lower dose (10 micrograms) than that used for individuals 12 years and older (30 micrograms). Source: FDA

What happens if my child turns 11 to 12 years old between the first and second dose?
If a child turns from 11 to 12 years of age in between their first and second dose, the second dose should be the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for people 12 years and older. However, if the child receives the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 for their second dose, they do not need to repeat the dose. Source: CDC

What are the side effects?
Commonly reported side effects in the clinical trial included injection site pain (sore arm), redness and swelling, fatigue, headache, muscle and/or joint pain, chills, fever, swollen lymph nodes, nausea and decreased appetite. More children reported side effects after the second dose than after the first dose. Side effects were generally mild to moderate in severity and occurred within two days after vaccination, and most went away within one to two days. Source: FDA

Can my child take a pain reliever?
Ask your child’s healthcare provider for advice on using a non-aspirin pain reliever and other steps you can take at home after your child gets vaccinated. In general, aspirin is not recommended for use in children and adolescents less than 18 years of age. Placing a cool, damp cloth on the injection site can help with discomfort. Also, it is not recommended you give pain relievers before vaccination to try to prevent side effects. Source: CDC

Can my child get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines at the same time?
Yes, your child may get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including flu vaccine, at the same time. Source: CDC

*Note: Children under age 5 cannot get vaccinated at this time because there are no vaccines authorized for use in this age group.

Virtual Safe in the South Bay Series: The Latest on COVID-19 Vaccines and Best Practices for Staying Safe

Virtual Safe in the South Bay Series: The Latest on COVID-19 Vaccines and Best Practices for Staying Safe

In partnership with Beach Cities Health District and our Chamber partners

With COVID-19 vaccine boosters and the anticipated release of COVID-19 vaccines for children 5-11 years old, an esteemed panel will share the latest science, safety and considerations for these eligible groups. Learn the best practices to keep you and your loved ones safe while getting back to enjoying the company of colleagues, friends and family, resuming travel and returning to school and work.

Panelists include:

• Janina Lord Morrison, MD, MPH, Director, Clinical and Preventive Services, Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
• Graham Tse, MD, FAAP, Chief Medical Officer, MemorialCare Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach

Vaccinating Students
With the expansion of COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to everyone 12 and older, BCHD partnered with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and select school partners in the South Bay Consortium for School Vaccines to vaccinate the school community. More than 6,000 vaccine doses for youth ages 12-18 were administered.

On June 14, 2021, BCHD completed the final vaccine clinic. There were a total of 43 vaccine clinics with 15,590 doses administered to educators, students, families and the general public. Clinics were successfully operated at our AdventurePlex facility as well as several mobile off-site locations, including Redondo Union High School, Hawthorne High School, Inglewood High School, Manhattan Beach Middle School and Adams Middle School.