COVID-19 Update: Vaccines for Children 5 – 11, Boosters and More

As your valued health plan partner, we care deeply about the well-being of you, your employees and their families. Here’s some of the latest information about COVID-19 vaccines, including new recommendations for children.

Vaccines now available for children age 5 to 11.

COVID-19 vaccines are now available – and recommended – for children age 5 to 11. Visit vaccines.gov or call your child’s doctor to schedule their shots.

The vaccines for these children are a smaller-sized dose of the Pfizer shot, and the CDC notes that they’ve been tested in children of this age group and are proven to be safe and effective. The CDC also points out that unvaccinated children are indeed at risk of getting COVID-19 – and even being hospitalized for it – despite misleading information that might say otherwise. Getting the vaccine is therefore important to help protect your kids from the virus.

As a physician-led organization, we strongly recommend the COVID-19 vaccine for those 5 and above. We also understand that – as parents and guardians – you always want the most accurate and detailed information before making important decisions about your children’s health. We encourage you to visit this CDC webpage. It will give you more information about the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness in children, and why they recommend it. And if you still have questions or concerns, you can reach out to your child’s doctor – they’re always glad to help give you information, recommendations and more.

More About Boosters

In our last email, we gave you an update on COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. To see if you’re eligible for a booster, visit this CDC webpage. Many people have asked us if their booster shot needs to be the same brand/type as their original vaccine. The answer is no. The CDC lets you choose which brand – Pfizer, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) – you want as a booster, and it does not have to be the same brand you got for your original vaccine. For much more information about boosters, including answers to more frequently asked questions, visit this CDC webpage. And if you’re eligible, visit vaccines.gov to find a booster shot near you.

Thank you for taking care of your health and the health of your employees. We’re honored to be your trusted health plan partner. If you have any questions, give us a call at the number on the back of your health plan ID card, and visit our webpage for more information about COVID-19.

If you have any questions, you can contact us directly at ClientSupport@HealthAlliance.org or by calling (217) 902-8151. We’re committed to keeping you and your employees healthy and informed.