Customer COVID-19 Pediatric Vaccine FAQ
Q. Can my child get the COVID-19 vaccine at a ShopRite Pharmacy?
A. ShopRite is proud to partner with the states of Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to administer the COVID-19 vaccination.
Children as young as 5 years old may receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at ShopRite Pharmacy locations, according to CDC approval and guidance. Visit vaccines.shoprite.com, use our app scheduler or call your local Pharmacy department for vaccine availability.
Q. What vaccine will my child be receiving?
A. Children aged 5 and older are eligible to receive a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The dosage for patients aged 5 to 11 is a lower concentration than the Pfizer formulation given to people aged 12 and older.
Children 12 and older can receive the standard Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, while individuals 18 and older can receive the Moderna or Janssen (J&J) vaccine as well.
Q. What is the Pfizer COVID-19 dosage schedule for a children aged 5 to 11?
A. Much like the Pfizer vaccine dosing regimen for people 12 years and older, children aged 5 to 11 will receive a two-dose vaccination series. The first and second doses must be spaced 21 days apart.
Q. I’ve heard COVID doesn’t really impact children that much. Is it still beneficial for my child to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
A. COVID-19 cases in children can result in hospitalizations, deaths, MIS-C (inflammatory syndromes) and long-term complications such as “long COVID,” in which symptoms can linger for months. The spread variants resulted in a surge of pediatric COVID-19 cases. During a six-week period in late June to mid-August, COVID-19 hospitalizations among children and adolescents increased fivefold, according to data collected by the CDC. Vaccination, along with other preventative measures, can help protect children from COVID-19. Speak with your health-care provider for more information on having your child vaccinated against COVID-19.
Q. How well does the vaccine work for children?
A. Similar to what was seen in adult vaccine trials, the Pfizer vaccine was nearly 91 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 among children aged 5 to 11.
Q. Do children get side effects from the vaccine?
A. In clinical trials, side effects for children were mild, self-limiting and similar to those seen in adults and with other vaccines recommended for children. The most common side effects were arm soreness, headache and fatigue.
Q. What is the process for receiving a vaccine? Should we just drop by the Pharmacy or can I make an appointment?
A. All ShopRite Pharmacy locations administering COVID-19 vaccines accept scheduled appointments and most accept walk-in appointments. Walk-in hours vary by location; check or message your store’s local Facebook page for walk-in hours.
To schedule an appointment, visit our COVID-19 vaccine scheduler, accessible both online at vaccines.ShopRite.com and via the ShopRite Pharmacy app (available on the Apple and Google Play stores). Use the scheduler to book appointments by vaccine type and zip code. Appointments open up based on the vaccine supply our locations receive.
Q. Does my child need a pediatrician’s referral to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
A. No, there is no need for a prescription or pediatrician’s authorization if you wish your child to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. However, minors must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian in order for the vaccine to be administered at a ShopRite Pharmacy location. Attestation and screening documentation must be completed and signed prior to dose administration.
Q. What should I bring to the vaccination appointment?
A. If applicable, bring in your child’s prescription insurance card for processing. COVID-19 vaccines continue to be no cost to the patient, regardless of insurance status.
Q. What is the appointment like for children? Are they subject to a waiting period after receiving the vaccination?
A. Yes. At this time, the CDC recommends a 15-minute observation time for children, teens and adults following the vaccination. Our Pharmacies follow that recommendation.
Q. Will a vaccine variety other than Pfizer be approved for children in the near future?
A. Other COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers have submitted data for expanded pediatric use. At this time, data is being collected and reviewed by the FDA with no estimated time on when a decision will be announced.
Posted 11/9/21