OKC-County Health Department Prepares To Administer COVID-19 Vaccines To Children Under 6

Oklahoma is rolling out vaccines for children under 6 this week. 

The State Department of Health ordered more than 37,000 doses to be dispersed to providers through the state. 

Starting Thursday June 23, parents can go to any clinic with their kids to get the COVID-19 vaccine. 

All Oklahoma City County Health Department clinics will be fully staffed and ready to administer Pfizer and Moderna shots. 

“We have plenty of vaccine to meet whatever demand may come and then of course we are always reordering. We are able to re-order every week there should not be an issue as far as someone coming in and it not being available,” said Stacee Hoye, the Chief Of Clinical Services for the OKC-County Health Department. 

Clinics are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will offer vaccines for kids 6 months to 6 years old. 

The Moderna vaccine is administered in two doses while the Pfizer vaccine comes in three.  

“They will need to come in, depending on which one they get, either a month later or 3-6 weeks late,” said Hoye. 

Parents and guardians are encouraged to consult with their pediatrician before calling to make an appointment. 

“If they don’t have a provider absolutely come, see us we would be more than happy to sit down and talk with them. Talk about whatever concerns they have because again we want what is best for them and we want to help keep them safe,” said the Chief of Clinical Services. 

During their appointment parents can also catch up on all childhood vaccines required for schools and daycares. 

“We’ve been doing this a long time, we have got some of the best nurses on how to handle little kids especially when they are getting the vaccine because it can be scary,” she said. 

According to the health department, some children may have a sore arm, headache, fever or feel tired after the vaccine. 

They will be accepting walk-ins but prefer appointments.