• Call 313-230-0505 today to schedule appointments   
• Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children ages 5-11 
• Children’s dose will be one-third strength of adult dose, provided in a two-dose series   
• Before and after school appointments and Saturday appointments available 

The City of Detroit will begin providing the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 5-11 on Monday, November 8th, 2021, Mayor Mike Duggan announced today.  Dosing for children ages 5-11 will be one-third that of adults (10 micrograms vs. 30 micrograms), delivered in a two-dose series three weeks apart.  Appointment can be made starting today by calling 313-230-0505. 

"We know these vaccines are highly effective and now we have the ability to protect the children in our community from Covid,” said Mayor Mike Duggan.  “We have set up two vaccination sites specifically for this age group and will partner with schools across the city to provide all Detroiters with equitable access to these life-saving vaccines, especially children who are in school every day.   

Approval of the vaccine for children of this age group has been highly anticipated for months.  Mayor Duggan and Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair-Razo made the announcement in the Skylar Herbert Room of Detroit Public Safety Headquarters.   The daughter of a Detroit police officer and firefighter, Skylar was five years old when she tragically passed away after contracting Covid in early 2020, before a vaccine had been developed.   

The Detroit Health Department is offering COVID-19 vaccinations by appointment only to children ages 5-11 at the following locations by calling 313-230-0505: 

• The Detroit Health Department Immunization Clinic, 100 Mack Avenue
  Hours are Mon- Fri 4 PM - 8PM  
  Children can get up to date on all their vaccines at this location during one appointment 
• Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Road 
  Hours are M-F 9am-7pm, Saturdays 9am-1pm 

The Detroit Health Department also is partnering with DPSCD, private and charter schools to provide future school-based vaccine events, said Fair-Razo.  

“Vaccinating children against COVID-19 will protect their health and allow them to re-engage more safely in activities they have missed out on during this pandemic, and protect their more vulnerable classmates and family members,” said Chief Public Health Officer Denise Fair Razo. “We know parents want what is best for their child and it is understandable they may have several questions. I encourage them to have a conversation with their healthcare provider so they can feel comfortable with the decision to get their child vaccinated.” 

What Parents/Guardians need to know 
Appointments for children in this age group must be made by a parent or guardian by calling 313-230-0505.  The parent or guardian also must accompany the child to their appointment and be prepared to show ID and fill out a standard consent form.  

At the time the first appointment is made, a second appointment also will be scheduled for three weeks later.  The parent or guardian must accompany the child to both appointments.  

New handling safety protocols 
The Health Department has implemented new protocols to ensure safety of the new children’s dose.  

• Pediatric clinicians will be present at both vaccination sites 
• Additional time will be allotted for each child’s appointment 
• Pediatric doses will be stored separately from adult doses in clearly labeled, color-coded containers  
• Staff also will use syringes specifically made for use with children  

The City of Detroit continues to provide all three types of COVID-19 vaccinations (Pfizer and Moderna two-dose series, and J&J single-dose) for Detroiters ages 12+, plus third dose and boosters for eligible Detroiters ages 18+, at 10 walk-in locations across the City, as well as in-home (by appointment). For further information, call 313-230-0505 or schedule an appointment online at www.vaccinatedetroit.com. Bring vaccination card to appointments. 

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