FILE - In this June 6, 2021 file photo, a youth receives a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in the central Israeli city of Rishon LeZion. The pharmaceuticals Pfizer and BioNTech say they have requested that their coronavirus vaccine be licensed for children aged 5 to 11 across the European Union. If authorized, it would be the first opportunity for younger children in Europe to be get immunized against COVID-19. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner)
SALT LAKE CITY — COVID-19 vaccine clinics for kids ages 5 to 11 are opening throughout the state. Clinics and healthcare providers are planning to start administering the vaccines to these children on Monday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved vaccines for kids in this age group last week.
Read more: CDC panel okays COVID-19 vaccine for kids, final approval expected today
Many school districts across the state are holding vaccine clinics at various school locations today. Many of them will be held after school from 3-7 p.m. These clinics are open to anyone eligible for the vaccine. Healthcare networks, like Intermountain and the University of Utah, plan to begin giving the shot to kids five and older with an appointment.
Primary Children’s Medical Center held a pilot clinic for children in this age group Friday. Former Salt Lake County Councilwoman Shireen Ghorbani was there to vaccinate her child. She says it’s a huge relief.
“The ability to feel more free to visit grandparents. To be able to spend time with our older neighbors and not worry so much about what role he could play in their health. We just feel like it opens up a whole other world,” says Ghorbani.
For those looking to utilize the school vaccine clinics for kids 5 to 11, parents are encouraged to visit their school district’s website. For a list of other places to get the vaccine, go to coronavirus.utah.gov.
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