RIDOH urges parents to vaccinate their children this week

PROVIDENCE—This evening while hosting a virtual Facebook Live Town Hall, the Rhode Island Department of Health answered questions regarding children ages 5-11 receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, encouraging parents to act fast.

The CDC announced last Tuesday they recommend 5-11 year old’s receive the vaccine.

Pediatrician Dr. Elizabeth B. Lange, Medical Director of Rhode Island Department of Health Dr. James McDonald, alongside Governor of Rhode Island Dan McKee uncovered concerns and truths behind the vaccine.

“Getting our 5-11 year old’s vaccinated is the best way to keep our kids safe, prevent community spread, and keep our kids in school, at playdates at sports practices, and at birthday parties” said Dr. Lange. She continued, “This is also important to them not only for their education, but for their mental health as well.”

Dr. Lange, Dr. McDonald, as well as Governor McKee emphasized that the vaccine will benefit children both mentally and physically, allowing life to slowly go back to normal.

Dr. McDonald urged parents, “I would get an appointment to get your COVID vaccine for your age 5-11 child this week. Let’s get it done before Thanksgiving… hopefully we can get most of our kids vaccinated before the Christmas holiday.”

Dr. McDonald assured guardians that there are multiple locations and options to vaccinate your children. School-based clinics, local pharmacy appointments, mass vaccination sights, as well as primary care providers are vaccinating younger kids. For more help, you can call 844-930-1779 or call 211.

“The Pfizer vaccine has gone under rigorous testing in this age group, and it is found to be almost 91% against preventing symptomatic COVID-19 infections in this age group,” said Dr. Lange.

Governor McKee references vaccinateri.org, as well as asking your primary pediatrician to gain more information as we move closer to the holiday season.