COVID Vaccine Now Available for Children Under 5 at UK HealthCare Pediatric Vaccination Clinic
LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 24, 2022) — On Monday, June 27, UK HealthCare will begin administering the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to children under 5 following the emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the recommendation from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
“Since November 2021, we’ve had a large-scale infrastructure in place with the capacity to administer the vaccine in a child-friendly atmosphere,” said Lindsay Ragsdale, M.D., chief medical officer of Kentucky Children’s Hospital (KCH). “We’re proud to now be able to offer the vaccine to the last unprotected group – children under 5. We know families have been waiting a long time for this, and they can breathe easier knowing that their young children have the best protection possible.”
The FDA and CDC have authorized the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for children aged 6 months to 5 years old. Moderna vaccine is a two-dose series separated by 28 days and the Pfizer vaccine is a three-dose series separated by 21 days and 60 days, respectively. Parents will be offered the choice of either Moderna or Pfizer for their child.
UK Pharmacy Services is beginning these vaccinations as soon as shipments arrive at the vaccine clinic, UK Pharmacist Care Clinic, at 245 Fountain Court, Room 220. This clinic has been specially designed by Kentucky Children’s Hospital pediatricians and Child Life specialists to be low-stress for children.
Appointments are strongly recommended and can be made at ukvaccine.org.
Appointments for children aged 17 and under are available on weekdays from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. A parent or legal guardian must accompany all children to the vaccination clinic.
Pediatric patients of Kentucky Clinic South can receive the COVID-19 vaccine and booster as part of their routine visits.
Registering for the Vaccine
Parents and legal guardians are strongly encouraged to have their children under the age of 5 receive the vaccine. Multiple children may be registered at once. To register, follow the steps below:
- Register at ukvaccine.org. Upon completion, a confirmation screen will appear and a confirmation email will be sent to the address used in the registration.
- After you request a vaccination, the invitation will be sent to the email address you provide on this form. Look for an email from UK HealthCare vaccinations.
- Once you receive the invitation, please respond as quickly as possible. You will get an access code that allows you to schedule your appointment.
- Email vaccine@uky.edu with any questions. A team member will respond within 24-48 hours.
Read more about the CDC’s approval here.
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