Children ages 6 months and older can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines for the youngest population underwent clinical trials showing their efficacy with no reports of rare or serious side effects.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 has caused more than 2 million cases, 20,000 hospitalizations, and 200 deaths among U.S. children ages 6 months to 5 years.

More than half of hospitalized children ages 6 months to 4 years had no underlying conditions.

The FDA and the CDC approved both a Moderna and Pfizer product for those under age 5. The Moderna vaccine is a two-dose series with 4-8 weeks between doses for children ages 6 months through 5 years. The Pfizer vaccine is a three-dose series with 3-8 weeks between doses one and two with the third dose given in at least 8 weeks for children ages 6 months through 4 years.

For more information about the vaccine that is available go to cdc.gov or contact your health care provider or Brown County Public Health.

Brown County Public Health continues to offer a COVID-19 vaccine clinic each Tuesday from 3-6 p.m. With the additional recommendation for children ages 6 months and older, the whole family can receive strong protection against COVID-19 by staying up-to-date with their vaccines.

Appointments for COVID-19 vaccines can be scheduled at Brown County Public Health by visiting co.brown.mn.us/covidvaccine or by calling 507-233-6820.