Florida didn't pre-order kids' COVID-19 vaccines, but Brevard doctors have them for use
On June 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for the Moderna COVID-19 and the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 6 months to 5 years old.
Though Florida was the only state that didn't pre-order the vaccines, some Space Coast pediatricians were still able to obtain them when they became available nationwide last week, and are prepared to dispense them.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends both the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. The AAP also said that pediatricians can administer these vaccines with other scheduled vaccines children are required to take.
“COVID-19 vaccines are life-saving. Delaying immunization leaves an individual vulnerable to infection for a longer period of time, placing them at greater risk of serious illness and death,” according to the AAP.
The CDC also recommends both of these vaccines.
Despite the AAP and CDCs recommendations, Florida’s Surgeon General Joseph does not recommend these vaccines to children 6 months to 5 years old.
However, local pediatricians follow CDC and AAP guidelines.
“As physicians in a pandemic that affects the public health of the citizens of the country we take our instructions from the CDC and the FDA, our professional societies and all of them without question unanimously recommend the vaccine for the entire population,” Craig Deligdish, president and chief executive officer of Omni Healthcare Inc said.
Deligdish added that, “Given that it is recommended by the CDC and approved by the FDA under an EUA we have made it available to patients who would like to have it.”
Space Coast pediatricians that have COVID-19 vaccines for kids
OMNI Healthcare as well as a select few other pediatricians and health care providers on the Space Coast were able to order the vaccines last week through Florida Shots, the system healthcare providers in Florida use to order vaccines and were shipped within 24 hours of ordering them.
Some pediatricians may also be offering them in the future but may only be dispensing them to current patients. According to Health First spokesman Lance Skelly, ”Some Health First pediatricians will offer COVID-19 vaccinations directly to their existing patients ages 6 months to 5 years of age.”
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is delivered in three doses. The first two doses are three weeks apart; the third dose is given eight weeks after the second dose, according to the FDA.
The Moderna vaccine on the other hand, is a two dose vaccine, the second dose is given one month after the first.
When evaluating the efficacy and safety of the two vaccines for the 6 month to 5 year old age group, the FDA found that some of the side effects children experienced were redness and swelling where the shot was given, fatigue, muscle aches and chills.
Here’s where to get either the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccines:
Brevard Health Alliance will hold the following vaccine events. Vaccination slots are filled by appointment only. To reserve a vaccination spot at an event call 321-241-6800.
7/6/2022 at the BHA Malabar Clinic | 775 Malabar Rd. Malabar, FL 32950
7/7/2022 at the BHA Titusville Clinic | 1537 N. Singleton Ave. Titusville, FL 32796
7/13/2022 at the BHA Port St. John Clinic | 7227 N Highway 1 STE 300, Cocoa, FL 32927
7/14/2022 at the BHA Palm Bay Clinic | 5270 Babcock St. NE STE 1, Palm Bay, FL 32905
The Moderna vaccine for 6 month to 5 year olds is available by appointment only at the Florida Pediatric Group. To make an appointment call (321) 752-5210. Florida Pediatric Group is located at 250 S Wickham Rd in West Melbourne.
Vaccines for 6 month to 5 years olds are available at Medec Medical Care located on 600 Garden St in Titusville is accepting walk-ins but, prefers appointments. To make an appointment call (321) 567-2211.
Vaccines for 6 month to 5 year olds are available by walk-in or appointment at the following locations. Call (321)727-2990 to make an appointment.
6100 Minton Rd., Suite 105, NW Palm Bay
6300 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 132B, Melbourne
2501 W New Haven Ave., Second Floor, Melbourne
1344 S Apollo Boulevard, Suite 303 Melbourne
2181 S Patrick Drive, Indian Harbour Beach
Vaccines are available for children ages 3 and older at select Walgreens. Appointments are required. To make an appointment go to https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid/19/landing.
1098 Florida A1a, Satellite Beach
7780 N Wickham Rd, Melbourne
3495 Bayside Lakes Blvd Se, Palm Bay
5475 Murrell Rd, Rockledge, FL 32955
3799 Murrell Rd, Rockledge, FL 32955
Amira Sweilem is the data reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Sweilem at 386-406-5648 or asweilem@floridatoday.com.
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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida didn't pre-order kids' COVID vaccines, but they're in Brevard
