Looking for a COVID vaccine for your baby or toddler? Shots at 8 sites in Miami-Dade
Starting Saturday, parents can get their little ones vaccinated against COVID-19 for free at eight sites across Miami-Dade County.
The county is running the event with Utah-based Nomi Health, a private provider Miami-Dade hired to provide COVID testing and vaccines during the pandemic.
The free vaccines come about a week after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for kids as young as 6 months old. COVID vaccines were already available for children 5 and older.
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Florida’s health department is not recommending the pediatric shots for healthy children, a contrast to the guidance given by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, which are recommending the vaccines.
CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky has said the pediatric vaccines are safe and effective in children. While kids are at less risk for severe COVID illness than adults, some children do end up hospitalized and dead.
Parents who have questions or concerns about the vaccines should speak with their child’s pediatrician.
Where to get COVID vaccine for kids under 5 in Miami-Dade?
For parents who want to vaccinate kids as young as 6 months old, the shots will be available at the following county sites Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Monday through Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.:
▪ Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40th St.
▪ Zoo Miami, 12400 SW 152nd St
▪ Aventura Mall, 19575 Biscayne Blvd.
▪ Miami-Dade College North, 11380 NW 27th Ave.
▪ Dolphin Mall, 11401 NW 12th St.
▪ Joseph Caleb Center, 5400 NW 22nd Ave.
▪ Miami Beach 17th Street Garage, 530 17th St.
▪ Harris Field, 675 N. Homestead Blvd.
The vaccines are free for everyone who lives in the U.S., regardless of insurance status. If you don’t live in the U.S. and don’t have health insurance, the vaccine administration will cost $40, according to the county.
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How many doses do kids under 5 need?
The vaccine doses given to children are based on their age, not their size or weight, and are a smaller dose compared to what is given to teens and adults, according to the CDC.
Pfizer’s COVID vaccine for kids ages 6 months to 4 years, requires three doses. The first and second shots should be given three weeks apart and the third shot at least eight weeks after the second dose, according to the FDA.
Moderna’s COVID vaccine for kids ages 6 months to 5 years requires two doses given a month apart.
Where else can you get a COVID vaccine for kids under 5 in South Florida?
COVID-19 vaccines for babies and toddlers are also available at federally funded health centers and retail pharmacies such as CVS, Walmart and Walgreens. Some pharmacies are restricting vaccinations to kids as young as 3 due to federal regulations.
Parents should also check with their child’s pediatric office and local children’s hospital to see what their vaccination plans are.
