Immunizations works best when we are all immunized. What we do know is that if vaccinated, those with breakthrough infections are experiencing less illness and hospitalizations. There is data to support vaccinated individuals are less likely to transmit the virus due to lower detectable viral loads.

The US Food and Drug Administration granted emergency authorization for use of the Moderna vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in children between the ages of 6 months-4 years. They have also granted emergency authorization for use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to prevent COVID-19 in children ages of 6 months and up. Research has shown that these new vaccines are both safe and effective.

For children 6 months-4 years, they will receive a Moderna 2 dose series that is 4 weeks apart. Children ages 5-11 will receive a Pfizer 2 dose series 21 days apart.

Our office is offering the Moderna vaccine for ages 6 months-4 years; as well as the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11. Please call the office, or send a message via the Portal, to schedule your child's appointment for the vaccine, or you can ask about it at your child's next appointment. If you do not have a portal account set up, we can set it up at the time of scheduling your appointment.

Our office does not offer the primary Pfizer series for the COVID-19 vaccine for ages 12 and up. You can contact any pharmacy or go to the Cape Cod Healthcare website for information on where to get the series. We do offer the Bivalent booster for 12-18 years of age.

Here are some updates regarding boosters for the vaccine:

• The CDC has updated recommendations for when people can receive a Bivalent booster shot, shortening the interval from 6 months to 2 months for anyone who received the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID -19 vaccine.
• Moderately or severely immune compromised 5-11 year old's receive an additional primary dose of the vaccine 28 days after their second shot.