Following a formal recommendation for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services late last week, children ages 5-11 can now get a COVID-19 booster dose at Springfield-Greene County Health vaccination clinics.
Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization approved this last week.
According to a release from the Springfield-Greene County Health Department, children in this age category are eligible for a booster dose at least five months after their second dose.
Appointments can be made at Vaccine 417.com or by calling the COVID-19 Call Center at 417-874-1211.
The need for boosters
According to the release, booster doses provide an additional boost of protection against COVID-19 for people who have received a primary vaccine series. Individuals are considered up to date with COVID vaccinations after receiving a booster dose.
The Omicron variants of COVID-19 have impacted children more than previous variants. More children have developed COVID-19 illness and have required hospitalization since the onset of the Omicron wave, according to the FDA.
Vaccination remains the best protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death in any age group, especially in the event of a future case surge, the release said. The Health Department encourages parents and guardians of children in the 5-11 age group to speak with their doctors about the importance of getting their children vaccinated, whether it’s their first dose or a booster dose.
Vaccination opportunities are available at various locations during the week and at Westside Public Health Center at 660 S. Scenic Ave., 1 to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
People receiving primary series doses, or a first booster dose will receive a $50 gift card at Health Department vaccine clinics, while supplies last.
