In-school vaccination clinics set for ages 5-11

More Capital Region schools are partnering with local health organizations to host COVID -19 vaccination clinics for students ages 5 through 11.

While the Pfizer shot is recommended by state and federal entities for that age group, scheduling is difficult as many pharmacies, private medical practices, and state-run vaccination sites lack supply or are focused exclusively on vaccinating people ages 12 and older.

In-school clinics offer free and convenient access to parents who have difficulty traveling to take advantage of an open vaccination slot for their children.

Shenendehowa Central School District is offering the Pfizer vaccine to students at a COVID -19 vaccination clinic this Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m., at Shatekon Elementary School in Clifton Park, through a partnership with Adirondack Health and Wellness.

The Mechanicville City School District has also partnered with Adirondack Health and Wellness and will offer the vaccine to students in its high school cafeteria on Friday from 3to8p.m.

The Guilderland school district is working with the Albany County Department of Health to host a vaccination clinic at Guilderland Elementary School, 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday with followup appointments on Dec. 13. The doses will be available for 5- to 11-year-old children as well as for those 12 and older, including booster shots.

On Monday, a Pfizer vaccine clinic for 5-11-year-olds who reside in or attend any school in Saratoga County took place at the Saratoga County Public Safety Building in Ballston Spa.

Last week, Menands, Watervliet and South Glens Falls schools were able to organize vaccination clinics for their students.

Over the weekend, New York leaders announced 10 mass vaccination sites will have shots for children ages 5-11, including a location in the former Lord & Taylor in Crossgates Mall in Guilderland.

About two weeks ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended the Pfizer-biontech COVID -19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

In a news release Saturday,

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said the state’s Clinical Advisory Task Force also endorsed usage of the vaccine in children, and since then more than 50,000 children in that age group have received their first dose of the two-dose regimen.

“Parents have been waiting for the ability to protect their young children from COVID -19, and we are doing everything we can to make that possible,” Hochul said.

To schedule an appointment at a mass vaccination site, go to https://am-i-eligible.covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/.