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.
-
Hoosiers unite for 'Stand On Peace Walk'
Hundreds of Hoosiers gathered for the Stand On Peace Walk Friday afternoon to raise awareness for National Youth Violence Prevention Week.
Trent and Giannis score 37 in 117-101 Game 3 win over Pacers
The Pacers led 57-47 at halftime, but Trent hit three 3-pointers early in the third to pull the Bucks even at 62.
Expert insight on prolonged pollen seasons and allergy relief throughout Spring
With rising temperatures indicating a change in climate, local health experts warn that it may be more than just a seasonal nuisance.
The Willow Center teams with Hendricks County Jail for an inmate reentry program
The reentry program provides two dedicated “Recovery Pods” for men and women. They create a separate, supportive environment focused on recovery, healing, and growth.
