Last month, following FDA approval, the CDC officially endorsed the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11, expanding the eligible population and opening doors for families to become fully vaccinated. After the rise of the Delta variant over the summer, cases found in children surged, resulting in hospitalizations, deaths, and longer-term side effects in some patients, even after they were cleared.
Various state-sponsored, pharmacy, and healthcare locations throughout the city have responded to the newly appointed eligibility, opening children’s vaccination clinics to help boost immunity within the younger population.
The Museum of Science, Boston, was one of the institutions to join the vaccination train, as it began administering doses on November 13 in partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Cataldo Ambulance Service.
“We are grateful to the Museum of Science, Boston for their collaborative spirit and commitment to vaccinating Massachusetts families once again,” said Marylou Sudders, Secretary of Health and Human Services in an official press release. She spoke about the museum setting, noting that the playful environment “can ease the nerves of youths as they roll up their sleeve to receive this life-saving vaccine next to their favorite musical staircase.”
The initial clinic ran on November 13 and 14, with follow-up dates set for December 4 and 5. “Vaccinating our next generation is so important and demands that we put all of our effort into making sure they have a great experience,” stated Kevin Turner, chief operating officer of Cataldo Ambulance Service.
Tufts Medical Center is another location at which children can receive their pediatric doses of the vaccine. Their ongoing vaccination clinic is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. This additional service will be administered in a separate building from their adult vaccination clinic, at their 800 Washington St. location.
Additional clinics can be found at Boston Medical Center, South Boston Community Health Center, CHA Somerville Vaccine Center Pediatric, and Quincy’s Manet CHC Community Vaccine Clinic. Doses can also be administered at local pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens.
All available locations can be found through vaxfinder.mass.gov.