COVID-19 Pediatric Vaccines for Ages 5-11

You have to make an appointment to access pediatric vaccines approved for children ages 5 to 11 provided at select locations by the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH), health system partners and pharmacies. SFDPH-affiliated clinics and vaccine clinics at SFUSD’s four school sites are initially reserved for children in highly-impacted neighborhoods where access is crucial. 

Demand for doses is expected to be high as an estimated 44,000 people as San Francisco children ages 5 to 11 become newly eligible. After the first few weeks, vaccine supplies are expected to increase and more evenly match the demand. There might be a greater supply at larger health care systems such as your primary care providers and pharmacies, since they are directly receiving separate vaccine allocations. Vaccine supply for children ages 5-11 is expected to increase on a weekly basis.

Parents and caregivers can make appointments using their health system’s instructions, or pharmacy websites. Other sources for vaccine appointments include the state’s vaccine booking website (myturn.ca.gov) and the City’s website (sf.gov/getvaccinated), which will be updated with local information about appointments as it becomes available across the network of sites in San Francisco.

SFUSD is committed to making COVID-19 vaccines free and accessible to families. Working closely with the SF Department of Public Health, we strive to support families to get their newly eligible children vaccinated over the next several weeks in order to enjoy a safer holiday. 

Many of the larger health systems, such as UCSF and Kaiser, will begin to book appointments on Nov. 5, 2021 and into the following weekend and weeks. Vaccine clinics will scale up across the city, including those at major health systems, which will have the capacity to administer 500 or more doses per day. The four SFUSD school-based sites are expanding to accommodate 250 vaccines per day to support the school community as needed. SFUSD will share additional information about vaccination opportunities that facilitate improved access for families.

Yes. Students will receive an excused absence if they are missing school due to COVID-19 vaccination.

Here are some tips and tools from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that families can consider adopting to support their child(ren):

• Bring quiet activities to entertain your child for the required 15 minute observation period after receiving the vaccine. 
• Pack your child’s favorite toy, book, or blanket to comfort him or her during vaccinations.   
• Be honest with your child. Explain that shots can pinch or sting, but that it won’t hurt for long.   
• Engage other family members, especially older siblings, to support your child.   
• Avoid telling scary stories or making threats about shots.   
• Remind your child that vaccines can keep him or her healthy – they are a good thing!  
• Distract and comfort your child by cuddling, singing, or talking softly.   
• Smile and make eye contact with your child. Let your child know that everything is ok.   
• Hold your child firmly on your lap, whenever possible while they receive the shot.   

For more information, including how to support children during their vaccine visit, see sf.gov/news/sf-ready-roll-out-covid-19-vaccines-5-11-year-olds.

Children ages 5-11 will receive 10mcg of Pfizer vaccine.  This is 1/3 of the adult dosage.

Children will receive 2 doses of vaccine, 3 weeks apart from each other.

Pediatric vaccines will come in separate vials with all supplies needed, including smaller needles for children.

Source: San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) Town Hall on COVID Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have both approved the COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 years and older. 

Results show the benefits of getting children vaccinated outweigh the risks of possible side effects, whereby the vaccine is 91% effective for preventing illness in children. There were no cases of severe COVID in clinical trials. Families are encouraged to talk to their child’s doctor if they have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines for children and youth. 

Source: San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) Town Hall on COVID Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11

Most side effects are relatively minor: 

• Most common were sore arm, tiredness, and headache
• Other common side effects include: fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, fever or chills, nausea, and muscle aches
• Severe allergic reactions are rare

Families are encouraged to talk to their child’s doctor if they have any questions or concerns about COVID-19 vaccines for children and youth. 

Source: San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) Town Hall on COVID Vaccine for Children Ages 5-11