OCCHD Prepared To Rollout Vaccine For Kids 5 To 11

In the coming days, children across the metro will have more opportunities to roll up their sleeves and get the COVID-19 vaccine. 

The Oklahoma City-County Health Department received thousands of pediatric doses on Wednesday.

Officials with the OCCHD said this is what they have been waiting for and they are excited to get the vaccine out to kids in the county.

OCCHD has evening clinics planned from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday. They plan to extend their hours to allows parents some extra time to get their kids from school and to the clinic.

They will also have appointments throughout the day. 

"What they'll need to bring is a valid ID," said Blaine Bolding, the chief of public health protection with OCCHD. "If they have health insurance, they can bring that, but that isn't required to be able to receive a vaccination."

Bolding estimated there to be an additional 80,000 kids in the county who are now able to get their vaccine.

"We've had quite a few inquiries from parents and grandparents who are eager to get their 5- to 11-year-old vaccinated," said Bolding.

Bolding said the dose for children in this age group is less than the adult dosage. They are taking extra precaution to make sure that kids get the right dose.

"We keep our vaccine separated and there are different ancillary kits for each vaccine," said Bolding.

They hope it will help stop the spread by getting this age group vaccinated.

They ask that you make an appointment on VaxOKC.com. Appointments will be available starting on Friday.