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Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available for Children Ages 5 to 11
Children ages 5 to 11 can now receive a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. The Food and Drug Administration has authorized a lower dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children in this age group, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend all children 5–11 get the vaccine to protect against serious illness and help keep them healthy.
"Children are vulnerable to the COVID-19 virus just like everyone else," said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D. "The authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine provides a safe, tested way to protect them from serious illness and provide healthier, happier experiences in and outside of the classroom."
During the most recent surge, pediatric cases of COVID-19 rose by about 240% in the United States, demonstrating a need to protect children from the disease. Results from clinical trials that began in March 2021 showed the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was safe and effective to protect children ages 5–11 from COVID-19.
There were no safety concerns or serious side effects noted in the clinical trials. Temporary side effects for kids 5–11 are similar to older kids and adults and may include a sore arm, headache and being tired or achy for a day or so.
More than 3,000 children ages 5–11 participated in the trials with volunteers from different races and ethnicities (77% white, 6% African American/Black, 8% Asian, 17% Hispanic/Latinx and 7% multiracial). This is comparable to the number included in many similar clinical trials with children.
Children are given two doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Each dose is one-third the amount given to people ages 12 and older. The dose for 5–11 year olds is different from the dose authorized for people ages 12 and older, and children in this age group should not receive the 12 and older dose.
The vaccine is effective and produced a similar immune response in children 5–11 as in older kids and adults ages 16–25. As with other routine vaccinations for children, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine underwent a thorough testing and review process by the FDA and an independent scientific committee to ensure it is safe and effective for children.
The Pfizer-BioNTech lower dose COVID-19 vaccine is currently the only one available for children between the ages of 5–11. Parents and guardians with questions about COVID-19 vaccines should talk with their child's physician.
"Getting school-age kids vaccinated will help keep them safe to play sports, attend events, be with friends and do all of the other things kids love to do that they may currently be missing out on," Secretary Cohen said. "I will be getting my daughters vaccinated this weekend. Don’t wait to vaccinate your kids, so they get back to safely being with family and friends, especially as we head into the holiday season."
Everyone ages 5 and older can receive a free Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, even if they don’t have health insurance and regardless of their immigration status.
North Carolina’s actions are based on recommendations from the CDC. Read the CDC’s full statement here.
For more information about how vaccines for children work and where you can find a vaccination appointment nearby, visit MySpot.nc.gov. The North Carolina Vaccine Help Center at 888-675-4567 can also help you make an appointment. It is open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekends.
In Orange County you may view local options at www.orangecountync.gov/getyourshot or call the Vaccine Registration Call Center at (919) 913-8088. It is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be many vaccine clinics held at Orange County K-12 public schools. You may sign up for those by visiting starmed.care.
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The Science Behind COVID-19 Vaccines:
Parent FAQs
American Academy of Pediatrics
Since COVID-19 vaccines became available to anyone age 12 and up in May 2021, millions of adolescents have been safely vaccinated. Now, children 5 to 11 years old can get vaccinated, too.
Whether you're the parent of a teen or a grade-school age child, you likely have questions about the vaccine. And top-of-mind for many parents is how we know that it is safe for kids.
Here are answers to some common questions about the science behind the COVID-19 vaccine.
How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?
The COVID-19 vaccine works similarly to other vaccines your child has had. Germs such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, invade and multiply inside the body. The vaccine helps stop this by teaching the immune system to recognize and make antibodies that fight the virus.
After your child is fully vaccinated, there is less of a chance they will get COVID-19. And if they do get infected with the virus, including the widely circulating Delta variant, they likely will not be as sick as they would without the vaccine. They also are much less likely to be hospitalized if they get the virus.
How are mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines different?
There are two types of vaccines currently available in the United States: messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines (Pfizer & Moderna) and a "viral vector" vaccine (Johnson & Johnson). They all have the same result — protecting people from COVID-19. Their delivery systems are just a bit different.
Right now, children and adolescents 5 to under 18 in the U.S. can only receive the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine from Pfizer BioNTech. People 18 years and up can get either COVID-19 mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer BioNTech) or the viral vector vaccine (Johnson & Johnson).
COVID-19 mRNA vaccines contain messenger RNA (mRNA), mRNA is made up of nucleic acids, which are the building blocks of all our cells. The mRNA carries instructions inside a lipid (fat) coating that tells cells to produce harmless pieces of "spike" protein. These look like spikes on the actual COVID virus.
When the cells make these pieces of spike protein, the immune system recognizes that they should not be there. Your child's body then makes antibodies that get rid of the spike pieces. These antibodies remember how to protect your child from the virus in the future. Did you know? Even though widespread use of mRNA vaccines is new, this technology has been studied for decades. mRNA vaccines do not contain any live or dead parts of the virus. Viral vector vaccines also give instructions to your immune cells. The instructions are carried in a harmless virus that has been changed so it is not able to copy itself, spread and make your child sick.
The process is similar to the way the mRNA vaccine works. Cells create the protein that is found on the virus that causes COVID-19. The person's immune system makes antibodies to get rid of the virus, and that can remember how to protect them from getting very sick from the virus in the future.Do mRNA vaccines change your DNA?
No, the COVID-19 vaccines made with messenger RNA do not interact with your DNA at all. DNA is your genetic material and it is stored in the nucleus of a cell. The mRNA in the vaccines never gets into the nucleus. And once your immune cells have used the instructions, they break down the mRNA and it quickly exits the body. What about boosters?- The mRNA vaccines are given in a two-dose series. Some adults can get a single booster dose at least 6 months after they completed the initial vaccine dose series.
- The viral vector vaccine available in the United States is given in one dose. A booster dose is recommended at least two months after completion of the first dose. People 18 years and older can get a second dose of the viral vector vaccine or get one of the mRNA vaccine booster doses instead if they prefer.
Can children with immune conditions get a third dose?A third dose is available for certain adolescents (age 12 and up) and adults who have medical conditions or take medicines that weaken the immune system.How do we know COVID-19 vaccines are safe for kids?Tens of thousands of volunteers were involved in clinical trials for the vaccines. The clinical trials showed that the COVID-19 vaccines are remarkably safe and effective before they got FDA emergency use authorization. Clinical trials are now underway to study whether children as young as six months old could receive COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
Nearly half of all kids 12- to 17 years old in the U.S. have been fully vaccinated! That's more than 11 million kids who have had both of their doses of COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines continue to be monitored very closely. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that COVID-19 vaccines will have "the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history."More information |
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The free COVID-19 testing clinics hosted by OCHD are conducted by two different vendors, StarMed Healthcare in Hillsborough and Optum in Chapel Hill. Please register with the appropriate vendor depending on which location you would like to attend. |
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Free COVID-19 Vaccine ClinicsVaccines are free, and no ID is required! If you are coming for your second dose, please bring your vaccination card with the record of your first dose. Visit our COVID-19 Vaccine page for the most up-to-date information: www.orangecountync.gov/getyourshot, or call (919) 913-8088 with any questions.
These clinics are for people 12 and older only. For children ages 5-11, you can view local vaccination opportunities at www.orangecountync.gov/getyourshot or call the Vaccine Registration Call Center at (919) 913-8088. It is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be many vaccine clinics held at Orange County K-12 public schools. You may sign up for those by visiting starmed.care.
Regular Vaccine Clinics
Bonnie B. Davis Environment & Agricultural Center
1020 US Hwy 70 W, Hillsborough, NC
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00am - 4:30pm
Please call (877) 505-6723 to schedule an appointment.
***Pfizer and Moderna are available for primary series or booster shots. You may also "mix and match" your booster shot. This means that you can receive a booster shot from a different brand than you received for your primary series.
Southern Human Services Center
2501 Homestead Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Please call (919) 913-8088 to schedule an appointment.
***All three vaccine brands are available for primary series or booster shots. You may also "mix and match" your booster shot. This means that you can receive a booster shot from a different brand than you received for your primary series.
Pop-Up Walk-In Vaccine Clinics
In addition to our regularly scheduled walk-in clinics (see graphic above), the Orange County Health Department is pleased to offer pop-up vaccine clinics to all community members ages 12 and older. No registration required, these are walk-in clinics.
Farmer's Market Pavilion in Hillsborough (next to the Courthouse)
140 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough
Wednesday, November 3 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Flyers: English, Español
J&J and Pfizer vaccines available
Farmer's Market Pavilion in Hillsborough (next to the Courthouse)
140 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough
Wednesday, November 10 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Flyers: English, Español
J&J and Pfizer vaccines availableSmith Middle School Gym
9201 Seawell School Rd, Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill, NC 27516
Monday, November 22nd, 2021 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Flyers: English/ Español
J&J, Pfizer and Moderna vaccines available
Farmer's Market Pavilion in Hillsborough (next to the Courthouse)
140 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough
Wednesday, December 1 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Flyers: English, Español
J&J and Pfizer vaccines available
Farmer's Market Pavilion in Hillsborough (next to the Courthouse)
140 E. Margaret Lane, Hillsborough
Wednesday, December 8 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Flyers: English, Español
J&J and Pfizer vaccines available |
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No Time for Flu: Flu Vaccination Information
Influenza (flu) is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death. Every flu season is different, and flu can affect people differently, but millions of people get flu every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands to tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year. Flu can mean a few days of feeling bad and missing work or it can result in more serious illness. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.
An annual seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to help protect against flu. Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and even the risk of flu-related death in children. While some people who get a flu vaccine may still get sick, flu vaccination has been shown in several studies to reduce severity of illness.
Contact your health care provider or visit vaccinefinder.org to find a convenient location to get a flu vaccination near you.
Related Links
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North Carolina COVID-19 Cases
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) reports 1,485,455 COVID-19 cases, 18,191 deaths, and 1,194 hospitalizations. 56% of North Carolina's population is fully vaccinated.
There are currently 11,898 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 110 deaths in Orange County. 70% of Orange County residents are fully vaccinated.
For more information regarding live updates (NCDHHS updates the site every day around noon), please visit the NCDHHS website.
Orange County Health Department also has a COVID-19 dashboard webpage, with information on COVID-19 data in the county.
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