COVID Vaccine Expands for Ages 5-11

Date: 11/05/2021

The FDA and CDC have authorized Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations for people age 5 through 11. At Northern Light Health, we believe that vaccination is the best step in preventing the risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, as well as reducing the risk of spreading the disease. While children are less likely to experience serious outcomes from COVID-19, vaccinating this group reduces the risk that they will spread the virus to more vulnerable groups – including grandparents! 

To learn more about how and where to get vaccines, visit the full list of COVID-19 vaccination sites across Maine (including health centers and pharmacy locations) at https://www.maine.gov/COVID19/vaccines/vaccination-sites or call the Maine COVID-19 Community Vaccination Line at 1.888.445.4111. 

Northern Light Health anticipates that appointments will open through our online scheduling tool for ages 5 through 11 on Monday, November 8 - once we have confirmed how much vaccine we will receive. Visit NorthernLightHealth.org/COVID or call 207.204.8551 (long-distance charges may apply). We are unable to offer walk-in vaccinations at our practices to ensure that we can meet the care needs of our patients while providing access to COVID-19 vaccination.

Vaccinating your child means they are less likely to miss school from COVID-19 illness or exposure. Some children with mild symptoms of COVID-19 have had longer term health issues known as long COVID syndrome or post-acute COVID syndrome. The vaccine was found to be 90.7% effective in preventing COVID-19 in children age 5 through 11. In addition, through their recent approval, the FDA has determined that the vaccine has met the highest standards for safety in this age group. Getting your child vaccinated protects children and the people around them.