WAMPSVILLE — Madison County health officials are preparing to provide COVID-19 vaccines for infants 6 months up to 5 years of age, following authorization from the CDC and FDA. Children in this younger age group may be vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine approved for their age.

Following this new vaccine announcement, parents may be searching for places to get
their infant/young child vaccinated. Officials from the Madison County Health Department (MCDOH) anticipate that it may take some time before a larger quantity of vaccine opportunities for this age group becomes available.

In anticipation of the release of the vaccine for infants, the MCDOH has reportedly reached out to providers, including pediatric offices and local pharmacies, to understand their plans for offering the vaccine to this new age group. MCDOH learned that a very limited number of pediatric providers ordered and plan to give the vaccine to infants and children under 5, officials shared in a press release.

Provider offices indicated that a lack of vaccine storage, staffing, and concerns about wasting doses of vaccine, as the most common barriers to providing the vaccine, according to the MCDOH. An announcement from the MCDOH states that some pharmacies will offer vaccinations as supplies arrive; however, they are currently limited by law to vaccinating only those children ages 3 and up, according to officials.

The MCDOH will coordinate clinics for infants and children, ages 6 months to 5 years, to ensure access to those families that want to vaccinate their children. Earlier this week, the health department received an initial supply of vaccine and will be hosting infant clinics starting in early July, according to officials. When requested, the MCDOH says it will also provide vaccine supplies to local providers in order to remove barriers from providing the vaccine to their patients.

Parents are encouraged to reach out to their child’s pediatrician or provider to ask about getting vaccinated and for any questions. Parents may also talk with a Madison County Public Health Nurse by calling 315-366-2848.

To find vaccination locations for those 6 months and older, visit the Madison County Health Department website at: healthymadisoncounty.org

A MCDOH clinic schedule for this age group has not yet been set as of June 24, but the public is encouraged to check back regularly. Officials anticipate county clinics for this age group will start in early July.