Federal Health Officials Authorize Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccines for Children as Young as 6 Months of Age

June 18, 2022

Vaccination for the youngest Chicagoans to begin next week, all residents urged to ensure their entire family is up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccine

COVID-19 Joint Information Center    media.coronavirus@cityofchicago.org

CHICAGO – Following final approval from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), all children ages 6 months through 4 years are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Both approved vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech (for children under 5) and Moderna (for children under 6) were found to be safe and effective in preventing serious outcomes from COVID-19. Vaccine doses for these age groups have already begun to arrive in Chicago and providers can begin to administer them immediately.  

“Families across the city have been waiting for this news, and we are thrilled to begin administering this vaccine to children under 5 all across Chicago this week,” said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “Vaccines are the reason we’ve continued to see record-low hospitalizations and deaths due to COVID-19 in recent weeks, despite a recent increase in cases, and I hope that residents continue to protect Chicago by vaccinating the youngest members of their families.” 

“We have been planning our roll out for months, have received delivery of nearly 25,000 doses already, so vaccinations can begin right away,” added CDPH Commissioner Allison Arwady, M.D. “As you’re bringing the youngest members of your family in for their vaccinations, it’s a great time to get the entire family up-to-date – including boosters for anyone age 5 and up.” 

Parents have a choice between Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. COVID-19 vaccines are free, no government-issued ID or insurance is required. For children in this youngest age group: 

  • Pfizer (6 months through 4 years) is:
    • 3 doses
    • 1/10 of an adult dose
    • For children 6 months through 4 years old
    • 3 weeks between the first two doses, third dose at least 2 months after the second
  • Moderna (6 months through 5 years) is:
    • 2 doses
    • 1/4 of an adult dose
    • For children 6 months through 5 years old
    • 4 weeks between two doses

Dr. Arwady urged parents to talk to their child’s healthcare provider or visit trusted websites – including Chicago.gov/Under5Vax – to learn more about the vaccines, and make a plan to get their children vaccinated as soon as possible. “Most importantly, the research shows that vaccines are safe and effective at preventing severe outcomes for these young children. While thankfully, the youngest children have not seen high rates of severe outcomes as much as older people, since the beginning of the pandemic, 442 children aged 0 to 4 years across the U.S. have died from COVID-19. As always, vaccination is the best protection against severe and tragic outcomes.” 

There are many ways for children under 5 to get vaccinated. Clinics may offer Pfizer, Moderna, or both: 

  • Family health care providers – CDPH recommends families first reach out to their pediatrician or family medical provider to see if appointments are available.
  • CDPH will partner with three Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) Blue Door Neighborhood Center sites in the coming months to host family vaccination clinics for anyone 6 months and up. Pfizer and Moderna will be offered. Reservations are recommended but walk-ins are also accepted. Visit the links below to view the schedule for each location and register.
    • Morgan Park – 11840 S. Marshfield 
      • June 28, July 14, July 23, July 26, August 11, August 20, September 8, October 6
    • Pullman – 756 E. 111th St.
      • June 30, July 13, July 16, July 28, August 4, August 10, August 13, September 1
    • South Lawndale – 2551 W. Cermak
      • July 1, July 29, August 3, August 27, August 31, September 6, September 24, October 4
  • CDPH will host family vaccination clinics at City Colleges of Chicago. These events will offer Pfizer and Moderna for children 6 months through 4 years old, as well as Pfizer vaccines and booster doses to all Chicagoans. All clinics will be open 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration is recommended and is available at the links below. Walk-ins will be accommodated as space allows.
  • Family vaccination clinics at Arturo Velasquez Institute in partnership with Alivio Medical Center five days a week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays-Saturdays) at 2800 S. Western Ave. Walk-ins welcome. Register online or by phone at 773-254-1400.
  • Starting Saturday, June 25, CDPH’s in-home vaccination program, Protect Chicago At Home, will expand to offer Pfizer vaccine for anyone 6 months or older. Up to 10 people can be vaccinated at a time, offering a great opportunity for the entire family to get up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. Make an at-home appointment at Chicago.gov/AtHome or by calling 312-746-4835.
  • Standing CDPH immunization clinics will also offer Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for anyone 6 months and up by appointment only. This includes: 
    • Uptown WIC, 845 W. Wilson Ave., 2nd Level (call 312-742-3227 for an appointment)
    • Greater Lawn WIC, 4150 W. 55th St. (call 312-745-1477 for an appointment)
  • CPS’ regional vaccination clinics and mobile vaccination events will resume in early July when CPS schools open for summer programming and will offer the vaccine for children under five. Some of CPS' School Based Health centers will also be offering vaccines to children under five. Information on specific opportunities will be available in the coming weeks and will be announced by CPS. Check cps.edu/vaccinations for more information and vaccine opportunities for CPS families. If a CPS family needs assistance with locating a Medical Home, they may also call the Healthy CPS Hotline at 773-553-KIDS (5437) for assistance.
  • Starting next week, some CDPH-sponsored community events will offer pediatric vaccinations for children under 5. For the calendar of community events, visit Chicago.gov/VaxCalendar.
  • Select children’s hospitals will host pediatric vaccine events – check hospital websites for dates and more information.

If those who need help finding a nearby site, Vaccines.gov is a free, online service that you can use to search for pharmacies and providers that offer vaccination. Residents can also call the City’s COVID-19 call center at 312-746-4835. 

Parents must accompany children getting their vaccine. Learn more at Chicago.gov/COVIDvax. 

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