The CDC officially recommended the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for use in children ages 5 – 11 this week.  In the Bay Area, Santa Clara County was first to officially begin administering the vaccine to its population of 167,000 children, they already had shots going into arms on Wednesday morning according to SF Chronicle.

The first required step in the process for the pediatric vaccine’s distribution was for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to issue an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).  This occurred on October 2, followed by the CDC’s recommendation on Tuesday morning.

The Pfizer-BioNTech pediatric vaccine is one-third the adult dose and, like the adult formulation, is given in two doses, three weeks apart. The lower dose was chosen to minimize side effects and still produce strong immunity, Pfizer says.

Santa Clara County

Clinics in San Jose have already begun vaccinating children, but keep in mind that across the state, the Pfizer vaccine is now legal to administer to children ages 5-11.

According to the County of Santa Clara Emergency Operations Center, the Pfizer vaccine is the only option for this newly approved age group. “All children ages 5-11 who sign up for an appointment are eligible at our mass vaccination sites. Schedule your appointment today. Drop-in vaccination clinics will provide vaccinations beginning Thursday, November 4, 2021.”

To get your child vaccinated in Santa Clara County sign up here for an appointment there are dozens of sites currently administering vaccines to children: https://covid19.sccgov.org/covid-19-vaccine-information

Marin county

Marin County Will begin administering the Pizer children vaccine this Saturday Nov 6th, at Middle Creek Middle School.

Marin County Public Health Pediatric “Super Sites”

Marin County Public Health is partnering with Safeway Pharmacies to offer “super sites” that can accommodate up to 1,000 children per day.  All clinics will operate 9:00AM to 5:00PM unless otherwise noted.

• Saturday, November 6 – Miller Creek Middle School
• Sunday November 7 – Miller Creek Middle School
• Saturday, November 13 – Strawberry Point
• Sunday, November 14 – Strawberry Point
• Saturday, November 20 – Novato High School
• Sunday, November 21 – Novato High School

Pediatric Vaccine in Marin County here: https://coronavirus.marinhhs.org/vaccine/pediatrics

San Francisco & Alameda Counties

Alameda and SF officials have said they are currently setting up vaccine sites at schools, clinics, and hospitals for children, but they are ushering parents to the State “myturn.ca.gov”, for scheduling vaccine appointments for children ages 5-11.

Depending on the pharmacy/clinic/hospital, appointment times vary.  For example, we found an appointment in the Mission District as early as November 22nd.

To get an appointment in your area (by zip code) go to: https://myturn.ca.gov/

Kaiser Permanente Bay Area

Kaiser Permanente told the press this week that they will begin administering the child vaccine as early as Monday, November 8th.

Kaiser Vaccine info and appointments:  https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/coronavirus-information/vaccine-appointments

The vaccine is free to everyone ages 5 and up!

Safe, free, effective COVID-19 vaccines are available to you regardless of immigration or insurance status. Stay healthy, protect others and help us end the pandemic. Find a walk-in clinic or make an appointment today!