Allina Health to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5-11

Minneapolis, MN (Nov. 3, 2021) – The CDC has endorsed the newly FDA-authorized Pfizer COVID-19 pediatric vaccine for children aged 5 through 11. Allina Health is excited to be offering the Pfizer vaccine at a lower dose for those patients who are 5 through 11 years old with parental/guardian consent. This step is another important milestone in the fight against COVID-19 since much of the recent community spread has been among school-aged children.

“Vaccination is a way for parents to protect their children from COVID-19 related illnesses, and prevent them from spreading the virus to our more vulnerable populations,” said John Misa, MD and vice president and system clinical officer for Allina Health. “Allina Health is proud of the work we’ve done to vaccinate eligible groups during the pandemic, and we will continue this crucial work for the children in our communities under the guidance of state and federal health authorities.”

Fast facts about the COVID-19 Pfizer pediatric vaccine:

  • 2 doses given 21 days apart
  • Different formulation than the vaccine for ages 12+, CANNOT give smaller amount of adult formulation
  • Lower dose (10 micrograms) compared to dose for ages 12+ (30 micrograms)

Allina Health has been preparing for this expansion in immunization eligibility. We will notify parents of patients and patients via email about their eligibility and options for setting up an appointment.  Parental consent is needed in written or verbal form for children to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Patients will be able to use their Allina Health account to schedule an appointment online. If a child has their own account, they can sign in to schedule or you can schedule on your child’s behalf. You can go to allinahealth.org to find which Allina Health clinic is offering the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine or schedule online through an Allina Health account (MyChart).

Appointments at Allina Health will be limited due to our continued focus on caring for patients who are ill or receiving other health care services. If you do not see a location or time that works for you, Minnesota residents are encouraged to use the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Finder and Wisconsin residents are encouraged to use Vaccines.gov to find other locations offering vaccines.

For additional information, please visit Allina Health’s COVID-19 vaccination website.

About Allina Health

Allina Health is dedicated to the prevention and treatment of illness and enhancing the greater health of individuals, families and communities throughout Minnesota and western Wisconsin. A nonprofit health care system, Allina Health cares for patients from beginning to end-of-life through its 90+ clinics, 12 hospital campuses, 14 retail pharmacies, and many specialty care centers and specialty medical services, home care, and emergency medical transportation services. Learn more at allinahealth.org and join us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.