COVID-19 booster shot available now for Hoosiers children ages 5-11

AP

This October 2021 photo provided by Pfizer shows kid-size doses of its COVID-19 vaccine in Puurs, Belgium. The vaccine appear safe and nearly 91% effective at preventing symptomatic infections in 5- to 11-year-olds, according to study details released Friday, Oct. 22, as the U.S. considers opening vaccinations to that age group. (Pfizer via AP)

By: Andrew Smith

INDIANAPOLIS — Children ages 5-11 are now eligible for a booster dose of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in Indiana.

This comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention authorized the booster shot this week.

The Indiana Department of Health told vaccine providers they can start administering the booster dose to children in the age group at least five months after their last dose.

Dr. Christopher Belcher, Infection Prevention Medical Director at Ascension St. Vincent, says the CDC authorization is going to make an impact.

"Children still do get COVID; it does affect their lives. In some cases it can be that it just makes them sick and miserable, but there are complications from COVID ... and there are still problems with post COVID," Belcher said.

Belcher says COVID is still out in the community and very easy to catch. He's encouraging people to go ahead and get a booster.

MORE: Full coronavirus coverage from WRTV

"A lot of the pediatric offices do have the vaccine it in stock. It's also a good time to make sure your kid is up to date on all of the other vaccines. During the lockdown time. a lot of kids missed visits and are behind on their vaccines," Belcher said.

To schedule an appointment to get the booster dose or find a vaccination site, you can visit ourshot.in.gov or call 211.

WRTV reporter Rachael Wilkerson contributed to this report.