With the recent approval of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for kids aged 5-11, St. Louis County health officials have begun preparation for the administration of the vaccine. It is expected that the CDC will issue their approval this week. If this approval does indeed occur, then it is highly likely the St. Louis County Health Department will begin administering the shots this Saturday.
It appears surrounding county health centers and four different libraries will offer the vaccine to the children. County leaders support the child vaccination idea and feel it will foster a safer learning environment for schools and will ultimately help to decrease spread of the highly infectious virus. St. Louis County, Missouri currently has an extremely high transmission rate among kids. Currently, kids in St. Louis County aged 5-9 have the highest average rate of new cases for any age group with 20.3 cases per 100,000 each day.
In addition to the health departments, the Lewis and Clark, Natural Bridge, Florissant Valley and the Rock Road libraries will offer the shots. Area health officials are hopeful that schools will ultimately offer on-site vaccinations for their kids.
The city of St. Louis is planning for COVID-19 vaccine administration to kids as well. The city is working with local hospitals and community partners and they plan to provide more information once CDC approval is given.
While it appears the majority of parents will be getting the vaccine for their kids, there remains parent concern in the area regarding the long term and potential serious side effects, including infertility that the COVID-19 vaccine could have on their child. Although most health officials feel the benefits outweigh the potential risks, it is recommended that parents with any concern about the COVID-19 vaccination consult with their child’s primary doctor.
