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Updated November 8, 2021
As of November 2, 2021, the FDA and CDC have approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 – 11. Pfizer is the only vaccine approved for children in this age group.
The dosage for kids ages 5 – 11 is lower than the dosage given to people ages 12+. It is packed in different color boxes than the higher dosage vials, and the vial caps are also a different color. This helps healthcare providers ensure that they are giving the correct dosage to children ages 5 – 11.
We are giving COVID-19 vaccines in our Vaccine Clinics, not our pediatrician offices. This allows our doctors to continue to see patients for other appointments. Our Vaccine Clinic staff are trained and experienced in providing vaccines to children and we have many measures in place to ensure that we are giving the correct pediatric dosage to children. When you schedule your child’s vaccine appointment in MyChart, you may choose any of our four Vaccine Clinics (Berkeley, Brentwood, Pleasanton and Walnut Creek).
Yes, we began giving vaccines to children in this age group on November 9th.
Scheduling is done via MyChart. If you do not already have proxy access for your child’s MyChart account, set up proxy access now.
To schedule, log in to your child’s MyChart account and select the “Visits” tab. Then click “Schedule an Appointment” and choose “COVID-19 vaccine”.
If you are having any issues with MyChart, please read our MyChart FAQ or call our Patient Support Center at (925) 941-2001, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note that our Patient Support Center is for MyChart technical issues only and the team is not able to schedule patient appointments.
Please do not call your pediatrician’s office to schedule a vaccine appointment, so that our staff and doctors can continue seeing patients for other appointments.
The series for children ages 5 – 11 is two doses, spaced 21 days apart. We will schedule your child’s second dose while you are at the first dose appointment.
No. There are many locations offering COVID-19 vaccines for children, including retail pharmacies. Many school districts are also partnering with healthcare providers to offer vaccine clinics at local schools.
Find another vaccine location.
Research shows that the Pfizer vaccine is extremely safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations and death from COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines have been rigorously tested and reviewed, and, as with all vaccines, continue to be monitored for safety. The vaccine is recommended by pediatricians, other doctors, and the American Academy of Pediatrics. We encourage you to send a message via MyChart to your pediatrician if you have questions about your child getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Getting vaccinated is a smart and safe way to protect your child from COVID-19. Although fewer children have gotten COVID-19 compared to adults, children can:
Vaccinated children are less likely to get sick and miss school, sports and social activities with friends. Your vaccinated child may also be able to reduce their quarantine period if they are exposed to COVID-19 at school.