Ashland School District

Pediatric doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are now approved for use in Oregon for children ages 5 through 11. Oregon, like all states, is receiving a small supply of pediatric vaccine this week, with a steady increase in doses expected in the coming weeks

With many parents and guardians throughout the state anxious for younger children to be protected against COVID-19, it’s important for everyone to have patience with our health care providers and pharmacies.

Where to find a vaccine as they become available

Oregon is working to make pediatric doses of the Pfizer vaccine available through Oregon’s federally qualified health centers, local public health authorities, pharmacies and pediatric clinics.

Call your provider or use the https://getvaccinated.oregon.gov/#/locator to find a provider near you that has pediatric doses of Pfizer available. As providers throughout the state receive the pediatric vaccine, locations will be added to the GVO locator map. You can also call 211.

Pharmacies can provide COVID-19 and flu vaccines to younger kids

Oregon Health Authority (OHA) has authorized pharmacies to provide COVID-19 and flu vaccines to children age 3 and older (the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine is authorized only for ages 5 through 11). Not all pharmacies may be able to offer these vaccines to younger ages yet. Before you go:

• Ask your pharmacy if they will be vaccinating younger children, and if both vaccines are available.
• If you have Oregon Health Plan (OHP) coverage, make sure your pharmacy accepts OHP coverage.

Where can I learn more?

Learn more by reading OHA's Fact sheet about Covid-19 and Flu vaccines for OHP Families here: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/HSD/OHP/Tools/COVID-Flu-Vaccines-Fact-Sheet.pdf

Need Insurance?

If you are currently uninsured, you can apply for OHP at any time of the year. To apply online, go to https://one.oregon.gov/ to create an account. You can learn more about OHP here: https://www.oregon.gov/oha/hsd/ohp/pages/apply.aspx .

Is the vaccine safe?

For more information on the safety review, go here: https://covidblog.oregon.gov/western-states-scientific-safety-review-group-recommends-pediatric-doses-of-pfizer-vaccine-for-children-ages-5-to-11/

Our Local Public Health Authority is scheduling appointments beginning next Wednesday.