The long wait is over for parents who want to protect their children from Covid-19. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized the use of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for 5- to 11-year-olds. This official authorization comes after careful analysis and unanimous recommendations by the advisory committees of both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CDC for use of the Pfizer vaccine for these younger populations.

Telluride Regional Medical Center strongly recommends without reservation that all newly eligible children be vaccinated as soon as possible. To schedule an appointment to discuss the vaccines with a provider, use the patient portal.

“As the mother of two young daughters, I feel an enormous sense of relief that my children are now vaccinated,” said Dr. Christine Mahoney, Primary Care Medical Director at Telluride Regional Medical Center. “As a doctor, I have a deep sense of gratitude that Covid-19 is now a preventable disease. Let’s do everything we can to protect our kids, our schools and our community by taking this simple, safe and effective step.”

While some patients, especially children, may be fearful of the discomfort of receiving a vaccine, parents should know that there are many ways to minimize anxiety. If a child is worried about getting a shot, let your provider know ahead of time so preparations can be made before your arrival.

There are several valuable resources online to help parents prepare their child for their vaccine appointment. Here are two examples:

Meg Foundation (megfoundationforpain.org)

How to Prepare Your Kid for the Covid Vaccine 

Med Center staff will be assisting San Miguel County Public Health in their pediatric vaccine clinics.

Information about mobile vaccine clinics for children and adults can be found on the San Miguel County website. Many of the large chain pharmacies have vaccines available as well.

Pfizer pediatric vaccinations will be available at the Medical Center for well child visits and office appointments by early December. There will not be a waiting list. Additional updates will be provided as they are available.

Telluride Regional Medical Center provides primary and emergency health care to residents of Telluride and the San Miguel County region. For more information call 970-728-3848 or visit https://tellmed.org.