COVID vaccines for kids now available in southern, middle Tennessee

The CDC recently approved the Pfizer-BioTech COVID vaccine for kids ages 5-11 and those shots are now becoming available in southern, middle Tennessee, according to vaccine.gov. (File Photo)

REGIONAL NEWS — According to vaccines.gov, the Pfizer-BioTech COVID vaccine for kids ages 5-11 is currently available in several surrounding counties. The Lincoln County, Bedford County, and Coffee County Health Departments currently stock the vaccine as well as CVS in Shelbyville and Southland Pharmacy in Manchester. Vaccine availability changes quickly and you should always call ahead to confirm before arriving onsite.

On November 3, the Tennessee Department of Health shared that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11 years and would soon become available in Tennessee. While young children often have milder illness than adults, outbreaks in this age group are common, can disrupt home and family life, and can lead to spread in the general community, including those at high risk of severe disease, according to health department officials.

When making an appointment, parents of individuals under the age of 18 should select a Pfizer vaccine appointment time. Other area providers such as pharmacies, medical clinics, and area hospitals will also be receiving vaccines for children. Tennessee now also offers COVID-19 vaccine boosters for those 65 and older or those 18 and older who live in long-term health care settings or other high risk settings. Those over the age of 18 with an underlying medical condition may also qualify.

Moore County continues to have the second lowest rate of vaccination in the state at 23 percent, according tot the Covid Act Now website. Only Decatur County located west of Hohenwald reports a lower rate at 22 percent.

To reach the Moore County Health Department to inquire about receiving vaccinations locally, call 931-759-4251.•

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