Grundy Reporter

Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers issued the following announcement on Nov. 8

Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers will be offering pediatric COVID-19 vaccination clinics for children ages 5 through 11 on multiple dates during November. Due to limited supplies, appointments are required by calling the Morris Hospital location hosting the vaccine clinic. The pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinics for 5-11 year olds will be held:

• Thursday, November 11, and Wednesday, November 24 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Marseilles Healthcare Center of Morris Hospital, 580 Sycamore St., Marseilles. Phone 815-795-2122.
• Wednesday, November 17 from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. in the upper level of the Morris Healthcare Center, 151 W. High St., Morris. Phone 815-705-7810.
• Monday, November 22 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Morris Hospital Ridge Road Campus, Suite 201, 27240 W. Saxony Dr., Channahon. Phone 815-467-1518.
• Tuesday, November 23 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Morris Hospital Diamond-Coal City Campus, 1450 E. Division St., Diamond. Phone 815-705-1976.

Children ages 5 through 11 years will receive one-third of the adult dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine using smaller needles that are designed specifically for children. A second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is needed three weeks after the first shot.

Children receiving the vaccine must be accompanied by a parent. While there is no out-of-pocket cost, please bring your insurance card. Parents should allow time for a 15-minute observation period following administration of the vaccine.

COVID-19 cases in children can result in hospitalizations, deaths, MIS-C (inflammatory syndromes) and long-term complications, such as “long COVID” in which symptoms can linger for months. Vaccination, along with other preventative measures, can protect children from COVID-19 using the safe and effective vaccines already recommended for use in adolescent and adults in the United States.

Similar to what was seen in adult vaccine trials, vaccination was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5-11 years. In clinical trials, vaccine side effects were mild, self-limiting, and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. The most common side effect was a sore arm.

Pediatric COVID-19 vaccines may also be available through area retail pharmacies. Please check retail pharmacy websites for availability by location and appointment scheduling. Morris Hospital is not administering COVID vaccines during physician appointments.

Parents who have questions about the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to talk with their child’s physician.

Original source can be found here.