Children 6 months to 5 years old now can receive COVID-19 vaccinations in El Paso

Times staff report
·3 min read
Pablo Peralta, 5 years old, receives his COVID-19 vaccine at the El Paso Children's Hospital in November 2021. Children ages 5 to 11 are eligible to receive their COVID-19 vaccines.

The city of El Paso began administering COVID-19 vaccines to children 6 months of age and older on Friday at the city’s Community Clinics.

The action came after a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. All local providers now are able to administer authorized COVID-19 vaccines to children 6 months of age and older.

“This is another positive step in our battle against the COVID-19 virus,” said City-County Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza. “We look forward to vaccinating even more members of our community, with this approval.

“Immunization is one of the most important things parents can do to protect their children’s health. Vaccinating our children not only benefits the child, but also the child’s loved ones who can be infected with the virus and spread infection in their homes and our community.”

Health officials said parental or guardian consent is required for the vaccination of minors.

COVID-19 vaccinations do not require an appointment, but they are recommended to avoid wait times. They may be made at EPCovidVaccine.com or by calling 915-212-6843.

The following City Community Clinics will offer COVID-19 vaccine sites from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday:

• Community Clinic, 9341 Alameda Ave.

• Community Clinic, 7380 Remcon Circle.

• Community Clinic, 220 S. Stanton St., on the corner of First and Stanton streets.

•​​​​​​​ Community Clinic, 9566 Railroad Drive.

For additional information about vaccination sites and locations, visit EPCovidVaccine.com. For more COVID-19 information, visit EPStrong.org.

Vaccines are given to people free of charge since the vaccine was purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars.

However, some private vaccination providers can charge administration or other administrative fees for giving the shot. Vaccination providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patient's public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration's Provider Relief Fund, according to epcovidvaccine.com.

Immunize El Paso also offers COVID-19 vaccinations for kids

Immunize El Paso also has begun administering COVID-19 vaccinations for children 6 months to 5 years old.

The Texas Department of State Health Services gave the organization approval and directions for administering the vaccine, officials said in a news release.

“We have received a response from families calling and asking about the COVID vaccine for 6-month to 5-year-old children,” Immunize El Paso Director Daniel Acosta said in the news release.

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at Immunize El Paso’s three clinics by appointment or on a walk-in basis from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

People can call 915-533-3414 for an appointment.

Immunize El Paso is a nonprofit organization that promotes health and safety in El Paso County and surrounding communities. It has served the area since 1995 and works in partnership with the El Paso Department of Public Health and area school districts by coordinating immunization projects throughout the Borderland.

The organization operates immunization outreach programs and three clinical facilities where patients can get vaccinations and other wellness services.

Immunize El Paso clinics, hours

• The Eastside Clinic at 1400 George Dieter Drive, Suite 225, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Information: 915-857-2474.

• The Downtown Clinic at 513 E. San Antonio Ave., Suite B, is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Information: 915-857-2474.

• The San Juan Clinic at 6292 Trowbridge Ave. in Central El Paso is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Information: 915-533-3414.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso children 6 months to 5 years old can get COVID-19 vaccinations