Sanford Health offering COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 starting Nov. 4

BEMIDJI, Minn. – Sanford Health will begin scheduling and administering the COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5 to 11 on Thursday, Nov. 4.

“This approval is game changing for protecting our children, and it allows us to take another step toward ending this pandemic,” said Dr. Colleen Swank, vice president, clinic and pediatrician at Sanford Health in Bemidji. “This vaccine continues to be proven to be the safest and most effective tool to fight this virus. As a pediatrician, I am excited that we are now able to offer this vaccine for school-aged children in our community.”

The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed the vaccine Tuesday, following a vote by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. The authorization gives Federal approval for children between the ages of 5 to 11 to receive the Pfizer vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine for children is a two-dose vaccine, given 21 days apart and is a third of the dose given to adults.

Parents and guardians can begin scheduling their children for the COVID-19 vaccine on Nov. 4. An appointment is required to receive a vaccine. Appointments can be made through My Sanford Chart or by calling (877) 701-0779. The vaccine will be available for children at all Sanford Health primary care and acute care clinic locations, including the Children’s Clinic in Bemidji. However, appointment availability is dependent on vaccine allocation at the clinic in which the patient wishes to schedule with.

Vaccine clinics

Sanford’s 1611 Anne Street Clinic in Bemidji will also be offering two vaccine clinics from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10, and Thursday, Nov. 11. Parents can schedule their children or any adults may schedule themselves for a vaccine appointment for during these events through My Sanford Chart or by calling (877) 701-0779.

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit sanfordhealth.org and the CDC.

About Sanford Health

Sanford Health, one of the largest health systems in the United States, is dedicated to the integrated delivery of health care, genomic medicine, senior care and services, global clinics, research and affordable insurance. Headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, the organization includes 46 hospitals, 1,500 physicians and more than 200 Good Samaritan Society senior care locations in 26 states and 10 countries. Learn more about Sanford Health’s transformative work to improve the human condition at sanfordhealth.org or Sanford Health News.